Some areas reopened in the High Park Fire burn area

A closure order remains in effect on a portion of the Roosevelt National Forest west of Fort Collins due to conditions created by the High Park Fire. The closure has changed, with some areas on the north side of Highway 14 opening — including Hewlett Gulch and Greyrock.

The current closure prohibits all activities within an area of the Canyon Lakes Ranger District bounded by County Road 44H on the south, Highway 14 on the north; the forest boundary on the east (south of Highway 14) and the Pingree Park Road on the west. An area north of Highway 14 is also still included between Stevens Gulch Picnic area and Upper Landing Picnic area.

PDF map of closed forest service areas adjacent to Highway 14

This closure restricts dispersed recreation on the lands identified, including rock climbing, biking and hiking. The closure includes some campgrounds, trails, and Forest Service Roads. Trails are expected to be closed until rehabilitation work can be completed. Those developed areas still closed include:

• Young Gulch Trail
• Diamond Rock Picnic Area
• Upper Ansel Watrous Campground
• Bennett Creek Picnic Sites
• Old Flowers Road
• Monument Gulch Road
• West White Pine Road
• Mount McConnel/Kruetzer Trails

River access, including launch sites, for fishing, rafting, and kayaking is open. If using the river, scout the area out for potential hazards (including rocks and debris) and expect that river conditions have changed due to the fire and rains.

Although portions of the burn area have opened, visitors are urged to take caution before entering the area. Falling trees are a safety concern – with recent weather causing both live and dead trees to fall. Rolling and falling rocks can also become a hazard in these areas when the soil is less stable. Remember, your safety is your responsibility. Be sure to check the weather in case of flash floods in the burn area and to check the status of Highway 14.

Visitors and residents can check the web at http://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/arp/recreation for the latest information or call the visitor information center at 970-295-6700. Summer hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closure details can be found on the web at www.fs.usda.gov/arp.