As Memorial Day approaches, the beginning of the summer season is at hand for many outdoor enthusiasts. But heavy winter snow and flood damage is keeping some areas closed.
As of Memorial Day weekend, more than half of the district’s campgrounds will be open, although those with reservations are booked. For a list of what is open, check www.fs.usda.gov/goto/arp/clrdcamping. Check the latest road information, as many are still closed, at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/arp/roads before heading out.
With many roads closed, dispersed camping may be a bit more challenging. If dispersed camping, pull off the road within 300 feet in a way that does not obstruct traffic or damage the ground. Some areas only allow camping in designated areas or not at all. Remember to get a map, available at one of the visitor centers listed below, to avoid private land. The motor vehicle use map is a good resource, available at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/arp/mvum or from any of our Visitor Centers. No overnight camping is allowed at trailheads or picnic areas.
It is also important to remind visitors we do have a closure in place for many roads and trails due to flood damage. Detailed information can be found online at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/arp/floodrecovery.
A great source of information for those planning a trip to the forest is our visitor information centers. The Fort Collins office, located at 2150 Centre Ave., Building E, is staffed Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Arrowhead Visitor Center, located in the Poudre Canyon and open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and the Redfeather Visitor Center, located in Red Feather Lakes and regularly staffed Friday through Monday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., may open by Memorial Day weekend. Weather could delay the opening of these volunteer-staffed locations.
Additional recreation information is available at www.fs.usda.gov/arp or on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District’s Twitter account @usfsclrd. Visitor information specialists are available to answer questions at 970-295-6700.
Make safety your top priority when heading into the forest. Remember your safety is your responsibility. Respect all signed closures; follow all regulations; and take precaution in flood damaged and mountain pine beetle impacted areas.
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