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The following Press Releases are courtesy of Phyllis Wheaton, Visitor Information Services, San Juan Public Lands, Pagosa Ranger District.
P.O. Box 310
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
970 264-1503
The Press Releases are listed in order from newest to oldest.
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SCROLL DOWN for the Latest Road, Campground and Trail Info
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For Immediate Release
July 21, 2008
Schedule of Free Interpretive Programs on Pagosa Ranger District
The Pagosa Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest provides free entertaining, interpretive and informational programs for the public at various times and locations during the summer. The following programs are currently scheduled.
Saturday, July 26 at 9:00 a.m. Tree Writings: A Walk through Aspen Groves with Peggy Bergon
For many years, Peggy Bergon has collected photographs of arborglyphs: carvings on aspen done by Hispanic sheepherders dating from the late 1800’s to the early 1950’s. On this walk you will see many of their writings and artwork. Due to the nature of the walk, it is limited to 12 participants. For more information and to reserve a spot, call Pagosa Ranger District at 264-2268.
Saturday, July 26 at 7:00 p.m. San Juan String Band
The San Juan Public Lands Center (San Juan National Forest and Bureau of Land Management) has an official old time string band! The entire family will enjoy this special musical event. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on and be prepared for cool weather. From Highway 160, go north on Piedra Road to Williams Creek Road. Turn right and continue to the Teal Boat Ramp at Williams Creek Reservoir. Allow about an hour for the beautiful drive. It is not uncommon for it to be raining in town and beautifully clear at the reservoir. Take a chance.
Thursday, July 31 at 9:00 a.m. The Forest Tells a Story (with help from Susan Halabrin)
Take a driving and walking tour of the changing forest in the Turkey Springs area with Susan Halabrin. Susan is intrigued by the way landscapes in Colorado change over time in response to disturbance. A student of plant ecology, biochemistry, and physical geography, Susan is a former biology instructor for Front Range Community College in Boulder County. She is an instructor in wildflower identification, fire ecology, and ecosystems. This program is limited to 15 participants. For more information and to reserve a spot, call Pagosa Ranger District at 264-2268.
For outdoor programs, be prepared for any kind of weather. Bring water, hat, sunscreen, rain gear, and appropriate shoes. For outdoor evening programs, bring a chair, blanket and flashlight. For information, call 264-2268.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 18, 2008
Delays Expected on Turkey Springs Road
Traffic delays should be expected on the Turkey Springs Road (Forest System Road 629) northwest of Pagosa Springs between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays, for the next three weeks. Delays could last up to one hour.
Forest Service crews will be performing regular road maintenance, including grading, graveling, and culvert cleaning and replacement. The work sites and travel delays will change locations along the road as the project progresses. Work will occur over the entire length of the Turkey Springs Road over the three-week period, but should be completed by no later than Friday, August 8, 2008.
For more information, contact the Pagosa Public Lands Office at 970 264-2268.
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For Immediate Release
July 16, 2008
Forest Service Monitors the “Snag Fire”
The ten-acre Snag Fire is located on the San Juan National Forest approximately eighteen miles west of Pagosa Springs. The fire is one half-mile north of US Highway 160 at the point where the highway crosses the Piedra River. The fire was started by lightning and is in steep inaccessible terrain with rock scree (loose rock) slopes on three sides. Forest Service firefighters are monitoring the fire and working to contain it at the ridge to the south. For more information, contact Pagosa Ranger District at 970 264-2268.
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For Immediate Release
July 8, 2008
Forest System Road Repair Projects, Delays and Temporary Closures
Pagosa Ranger District
The San Juan National Forest has numerous road repair projects that will be take place within the Pagosa Ranger District this summer. Many of these projects will involve closing roads to the public for some period of time. As of July 8, 2008, the following is a list of planned projects and road closures.
Buckles Lake Road (663): Open. Repairs to road will occur in late July to early August. Expect delays during construction.
Castle Creek Road (660): Beginning Monday, July 21, Castle Creek Road will be closed for approximately two weeks near South Creek at milepost 1.9. The road is currently closed to motorized vehicles from the junction with Opal Lake Road to road’s end. Access to Fish Creek Trailhead requires travel on foot or horseback from the road closure point to the trailhead.
East Fork Road (667): Closed to entry (not just to motorized vehicles, but to all uses) between the gate east of the East Fork Campground and the Silver Falls Guard Station due to a 40-acre slide. The road is now about 100 feet downhill from its former location.
The four-wheel drive portion of East Fork Road is open from Park Creek Road (Rio Grande NF #380) over Elwood Pass to the Silver Falls Guard Station. However, we do not know the condition of the road from Elwood Pass to the crossing of the East Fork of the San Juan.
First Fork (622): Closed July 7 through at least July 11 to all public use during repairs to road damage south of Horse Creek at Milepost 6. The closure will temporarily restrict all access from the First Fork Road to other destinations in the area: West Monument Road (630), Baldy Mountain, Devil Mountain, Dudley, First Fork, Piedra & Sheep Creek trails; and boating put-in/takeouts at end of the First Fork Road (12 mile Bridge) & at Sheep Creek. During the closure, those who wish to hike the length of the Piedra River Trail from Piedra Road to the end of First Fork Road will be unable to access the end of First Fork Road for pick-up.
Nipple Mountain Road (665): During the week of July 7, work began on Nipple Mountain Road at milepost 9, east of the Aspen Spur Road (735). Although the road will not be closed, there may be delays. Expect heavy truck traffic.
Plumtaw (634): Three separate sites along Plumtaw Road will be repaired during the next few weeks. Beginning next week, drivers should be alert to truck traffic as materials from repair sites are hauled on Plumtaw Road. From Tuesday, July 15 through July 25, the road will be closed between mileposts 4.5 and 7.7, as measured from the junction of Plumtaw and Fourmile Roads.
Price Lakes (731): Open. Repairs to road will occur in late July to early August. Expect delays during construction.
Willow Draw Road (722): Due to road damage, motorized use is limited to vehicles less than 50” wide.
For more information, contact the Pagosa Ranger District office at 264-2268.
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June 17, 2008
The construction on the road to Piedra Falls lengthens the hike to the falls by three miles round trip. The route goes around the construction site and involves a steep cross-country route. We encourage folks to hike elsewhere until the construction is complete - anticipated completion by the 20th of June.
Thank you,
Phyllis Phyllis Wheaton
Visitor Information Services
San Juan Public Lands
Pagosa Ranger District
P.O. Box 310
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
970 264-1503
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For Immediate Release
June 12, 2008
Piedra Falls Trail Access Concerns
East Toner Road, (the road to Piedra Falls) is closed due to construction1.5 miles before the end of the road and trailhead to Piedra Falls.
Although one is allowed to walk around the construction site to access the trail to the falls, routes around the construction are difficult and not recommended for the novice hiker, children, and/or those who may have difficulty with challenging terrain. If you are going, dress appropriately for cross-country hiking with hiking boots, long pants. We strongly encourage visitors to hike in other areas until the road work is complete. The road is expected to re-open June 20.
A few other trails to consider:
Piedra River Trail, Treasure Falls Trail, the first few miles of Williams Creek and Cimarrona Trails, Opal Lake Trail.
For more information or suggestions, contact our office at 970 264-2268.
Thank you,
Phyllis Phyllis Wheaton
Visitor Information Services
San Juan Public Lands
Pagosa Ranger District
P.O. Box 310
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
970 264-1503
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For Immediate Release
June 09, 2008
Schedule of Free Interpretive Programs from Pagosa Ranger District
The Pagosa Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest provides free, entertaining, interpretive and informational programs for the public at various times and locations during the summer. The following programs are currently scheduled. Additional programs will be added during the summer.
Tuesday, June 17 at 9:00 a.m. Wildflower Walk with Dick Moseley
This three-hour wildflower viewing and walk features the summer wildflowers that are found at Williams Creek Reservoir and along the Cimarrona Trail. From Highway 160 in west Pagosa Springs, go north on Piedra Road (CR 600/FSR 631) about 23 miles to Williams Creek Road (#640). Continue on Williams Creek Road about one mile to the Teal Boat Ramp at Williams Creek Reservoir.
Friday, June 20 at 9:30 a.m. A Children’s Walk in the Woods: Trees
Take a Children’s Walk in the Woods to learn about the trees of the forest. Dress for a short walk and activities in the woods. Program is about one hour long. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the parking area on the left at the end of the pavement on Piedra Road (CR 600/FSR 631) about 5.5 miles north of Highway 160.
Friday, June 27 at 9:30 a.m. Interpretive Tour of Ice Cave Ridge
Take a pleasant walk and learn a bit about the natural and human history of Ice Cave Ridge. Meet at the Piedra River Trailhead northwest of Pagosa Springs. From Highway 160, go north on Piedra Road (CR 600/FSR 631) for about 16 miles. The trailhead is on the left a few hundred yards beyond the crossing of the Piedra River.
Tuesday, July 15 at 9:30 a.m. A Walk Back in Time with Phyllis Wheaton
Take a walk back in time to visit the location of a 1930’s CCC camp and the homestead era Provancher (Murray) Ranch. For this moderate walk (about 3.5 miles round trip), we will meet at the entrance to the Blanco River Picnic Area. From Pagosa Springs take Highway 84 south about 11 miles to Blanco River Road (#656), turn east and follow the gravel road about 2.5 miles to its end and the Blanco River Picnic Area.
More to come:
Saturday, July 12, cowboy poetry and cowboy songs with Bob Huff and Phil Janowsky at Williams Creek Reservoir;
- Saturday, July 19, a geology tour with Glenn Raby;
- Saturday, July 26, a morning arborglyph walk with Peggy Bergon near Buckles Lake
- Saturday, July 26, an evening with the San Juan String Band at Williams Creek Reservoir
For these outdoor programs, be prepared for any kind of weather. Bring water, hat, sunscreen, rain gear, and appropriate shoes. For outdoor evening programs, be prepared for cool weather and bring a chair, blanket, and flashlight. For more information, contact Pagosa Ranger District at 264-2268.
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For Immediate Release
May 23, 2008
Closed Areas within Pagosa Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest
For the protection of public health and safety, two areas remain closed to entry within the Pagosa Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest.
East Fork Slide Area: It is prohibited to enter into the area defined as “300 feet either side of the center line of East Fork Road (National Forest System Road #667) beginning immediately east of the East Fork Campground at the closure gate and continuing to the westernmost boundary of the private property bisected by East Fork Road.” The 40-acre East Fork landside continues to move at a rate of 4 feet per day, taking a portion of the East Fork Road and the Coal Creek Trail with it. In addition to the loss of stability of the East Fork Road environs, the slide has damaged a high pressure gas line in the area. The slide, gas line, and the East Fork of the San Juan River are being monitored daily.
East Fork Campground is open.
Piedra River Trail: A portion of the Piedra River Trail (#596) remains closed due to conditions related to the Piedra Prescribed Burn that was conducted in early May. The trail passes through the burned unit. Due to winds and rains following the burn and the continued potential for falling debris from burning activities, the section of trail between First Fork Trailhead and Sand Creek remains closed. The river is open to boating. The First Fork Road is open to its end.
Roads that remain closed to motorized vehicles due to conditions and damage are: Willow Draw (NFSR #722), Castle Creek Road (NFSR #660) to Fish Creek Trailhead (open to Opal Lake Trailhead); and portions of Nipple Mountain (#665), Lefthand Canyon (NFSR #024) and Price Lakes ((NFSR #731)Roads.
For more information, go on-line to http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/sanjuan/conditions/ or contact Pagosa Ranger District at 970 264-2268.
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For Immediate Release
July 8, 2008
The following is the latest road update for from the Forest Service:
An update on Pagosa District roads and campgrounds for your information. Of particular note:
Pending closure of First Fork Road for repairs, July 7 to July 11, will affect many uses for the time period Willow Draw is open, however, motorized vehicle use is restricted to
vehicles less than 50" wide Williams Campground: the north loop of the campground is closed. (Therefore, sixteen of the campground's 65 sites are closed.) East Fork Road remains closed. The 40-acre slide has slowed, but continues to move. The road is now about 100 feet downhill from its previous location.
* First Fork #622 will be closed to all public use during repairs to road damage. The closure is at Milepost 6, south of Horse Creek. The closure will temporarily restrict all access from the First Fork Road to other destinations in the area: West Monument Road (630), TRAILS: Baldy Mountain, Devil Mountain, Dudley, First Fork, Piedra & Sheep Creek; BOATING: put-in/takeouts at end of the First Fork Road (12 mile Bridge) & at Sheep Creek.
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ROADS
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Status
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Black Mtn # 661
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OPEN
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Blanco River # 656
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OPEN
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Blue Creek # 012
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OPEN, but unlikely to be able to drive through - DO NOT DAMAGE!
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Buckles Lake # 663
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Anticipate delays for road construction in late July/early August
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Burns Canyon # 649
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OPEN
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Castle Creek # 660 to Opal Lake THD
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Anticipate closure July 21 - Aug. 1
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Castle Creek # 660 to Fish Creek
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Closed/Likely to remain closed through Aug. 1
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Devil Creek # 627
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OPEN
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Devil Mountain # 626
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OPEN
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East Fork # 667
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Closed to all uses/Damaged
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East Tonor #637
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Open
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Echo Canyon # 029
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OPEN
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Eight Mile Mesa # 651
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OPEN
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Falls Creek Road #039
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Partially snow covered
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Fawn Gulch Road #666
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OPEN
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First Fork # 622
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OPEN - Will be closed July 7th through at least the 11th
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Fourmile Road #645
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OPEN
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Jackson Mountain # 037
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OPEN
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Kenney Flats # 006
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OPEN
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Lefthand Canyon # 024
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OPEN to 1/4 mile past the gravel pit
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Lower Piedra Campground # 621
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Open
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Middle Fork # 636
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OPEN
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Mill Creek # 662
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OPEN
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Monument Park East # 630
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OPEN
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Monument Park West # 630
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Open - will be inaccessible via First Fork July 7th through at least July 11th.
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Mosca # 631
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Open
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Nipple Mtn Above Echo # 665 to MM 9
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Watch for heavy truck traffic and delays at milepost 9
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Oppenheimer # 759 (off Porcupine #024)
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Closed at damaged area
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Plumtaw Lower # 634
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Watch for heavy truck traffic. Will be closed between mileposts 4.5 and 7.7 from July 15 through at least July 25.
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Plumtaw Upper # 634
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OPEN
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Porcupine #024
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OPEN
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Price Lakes # 731
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Anticipate delays for road construction in late July - early August.
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Snow Ball # 646
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Anticipate delays for road construction in late July - early August.
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Trail Ridge # 639
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Open
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Turkey Creek # 647
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Open
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Turkey Springs # 629
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OPEN
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Valle Seco Upper # 653 to private property
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OPEN
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West Fork # 648
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OPEN
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Williams Creek # 640 & Poison Pk.. (644)
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Open
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Willow Draw # 722
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Open to vehicles less than 50” wide
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Wolf Creek Road #725
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Partially snow covered
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CAMPGROUNDS
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Status
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Blanco River
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Open
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Bridge
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OPEN
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Cimmarona
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Open
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East Fork
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Open
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Lower Piedra
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OPEN
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Palisades
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Open
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Teal
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Open
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Ute
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OPEN
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West Fork
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Open
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Williams
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Closed - north loop 16 sites
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Wolf Creek
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Closed for summer season
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Do not go off roads, except to park adjacent to the road on dry ground.
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An open gate does not give permission to damage roads. Damage is defined as: ruts 1 inch deep or deeper on gravel roads, 4 inches deep or deeper on native surface roads
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Trail Conditions
General conditions: Many trees down, high to very high and swift streams, snow-line roughly at 9,500 to 10,000 feet with deep continuous snow. Conditions may change rapidly. Fourmile and Turkey Lakes remain frozen.
June 27, 2009
Willow Draw is open only to motorized vehicles less than 50" wide. East Toner to Piedra Falls is re-opened to Piedra Falls, with a request for caution when passing through the construction area. Still lots of snow in the high country, many trees down, lakes frozen or partially frozen. At the same time, in the low country (relatively speaking) We have very high fire danger. Please be careful with fire.
Thanks,
Phyllis Wheaton
Visitor Information Services
San Juan Public Lands
Pagosa Ranger District
P.O. Box 310
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
970 264-1503
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Trail Name and Number
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Date of report
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Comments
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Anderson (579)
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17 June
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Cleared to about 1/2 mile past the wilderness boundary. Continuous deep snow beyond
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Beaver Creek (560)
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CLOSED Due to unsafe conditions
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Cimarrona (586)
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11 June
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Cleared of trees for about 3 miles where crews encountered continuous snow
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Coal Creek (581)
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2 June
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Closed on north end due to area closure (large, moving landslide).
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Continental Divide at Hwy 160
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Snow-covered. Road to Lobo Overlook snow-covered.
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Fish Lake (574)
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2 June
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Road to trailhead damaged and closed. No trail information.
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Fourmile (569)
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18 June
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Cleared of trees to first falls. Large rock slide above first falls may be passable on foot; not recommended for horses. Expect snow-covered within a few miles and high swift stream crossings
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Leche Creek (576)
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No Info
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Little Blanco (572)
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Expect snow-covered within a short distance
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Middle Fork (589)
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High, swift water crossing at trailhead. No trail information
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Navajo Peaks (577)
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1 June
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Many downed trees, muddy. (Report on first 2 miles.)
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Opal Lake (564)
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2 June
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Cleared to Opal and Table lakes.
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Piedra Falls
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3 June
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Cleared of snow and trees. Road has re-opened.
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Piedra River (596)
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Open, partially cleared.
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Quartz Creek (571)
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No access due to closure area
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Quartz Ridge (570)
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No access due to closure area
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Sheep Creek (599)
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15 June
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From First Fork Road, between trailhead and river, slide may prevent horse traffic. Bridge across the river collapsed this winter.
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Treasure Falls Interpretive (563)
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Clear
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Turkey Creek (580)
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16 June
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Cleared for +/- two miles.
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V-Rock (578)
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12 June
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Cleared to snowline (+/- one mile)
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Weminuche (592)
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12 June
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Trail reconstruction/detour first few miles. Difficult stream crossings and snow after +/- 4 miles
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West Fork (561)
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12 June
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First five miles, minimal snow on trail, many trees down, crossing at 5.5 miles high and swift.
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Williams Creek (587)
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Several trees down. First crossing of Williams Creek is high and swift. No reports beyond that stream crossing.
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