The wet weather throughout spring and early summer has delayed the opening of some Forest Service roads that are typically open by July 1, including Sevenmile, Upper Deadman, Sand Creek, Chicken Park, Killpecker, Old Flowers, Bald Mountain, and Greenridge.
Although Lower Deadman Road is open, Upper Deadman (County Road 86) remains closed northwest of Red Feather Lakes. The spur roads in this area have incredibly saturated soils, and Deadman Hill even received an inch of snow this week.
Sevenmile Road (#225) southwest of Red Feather Lakes has been closed much longer than usual this season. This area remains incredibly wet and a hazard for vehicles. Just last week, a Forest Service employee on an ATV assessing road conditions got stuck, and the area has received even more rain this week. Last year, partners helped repair this road and keeping it closed helps maintain the integrity of the work that was accomplished.
Some roads in the forest need repairs, but the muddy conditions have prevented crews from accessing these routes. Secondary roads off the main roads are, in many cases, even muddier.
The Forest Service keeps roads closed for many reasons, including public safety, minimizing road damage, project work and to prevent resource damage.
The latest road information is posted online at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/arp/roads. Updates are also posted on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District Twitter account: @usfsclrd. It is also important to remind visitors that closures are in place for some roads and trails due to 2013 flood damage. Detailed information can be found online at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/arp/floodrecovery.
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