Wet terrain forces roads in Eldorado National Forest to stay closed

Eldorado National Forest dirt roads and trails will remain seasonally closed to motorized vehicle use until April 30.

“This is a difficult time of the year to predict exactly when we can lift the seasonal dirt road and trail closure,” Forest Supervisor Kathy Hardy said in a press release. “Our soil scientist is checking the condition of the roads and reporting back to me on a regular basis. I want to open the routes as soon as the weather forecast is favorable and the clay based roads can withstand the traffic.”

The Eldorado National Forest has been seasonally closed to wheeled motor vehicle travel on dirt roads and trails since Jan. 1. The routes are closed to prevent erosion, protect road beds, and maintain water quality. When the seasonal closure is lifted, it will be lifted for all dirt roads and trails in the Eldorado with the exception of the 42 routes recently closed by a court order and trails in the Rock Creek area near Georgetown. Rock Creek has its own site specific closure process.

Mormon Emigrant Trail remains closed to through traffic due to snow.