The U.S. Forest Service has closed all recreational sites, including camp- grounds, in the Rocky Mountain Region.
All trails, trailheads and parking facilities remain open. Trail users must adhere to social distancing and COVID-19 prevention orders and guidelines issued by local, state, and federal authorities while using the trails. Trail users should be prepared for limited or no services such as restroom facilities and garbage collection.
The Mountain Counties of Colorado are NOT open for visitors, tourism, or leisure at this time.
Public lands are open only to local residents. Tourists are asked to return home under the Stay at Home orders.
Pursuant to 16 USC 551 and 36 CFR 261.50(a), and to provide for public safety, the following act is prohibited on National Forest System lands under my jurisdiction within the Rocky Mountain Region.
Entering or using a Developed Recreation Site or portion thereof, including developed trailhead facilities. 36 CFR 261.58(b).
All trails, trailheads, and parking facilities remain open. Trail users must adhere to social distancing and COVID-19 prevention orders and guidelines issued by local, state and federal authorities while using trails. Trail users should be prepared for limited or no services such as restroom facilities and garbage collection and must pack out all trash and human waste.
Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
- Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the
performance of an official duty. - Persons with a Forest Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or
Order, Form FS-7700-48, specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.
This prohibition is in addition to the general prohibitions contained in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A. DEFINITION
Developed Recreation Site means an area which has been improved or developed for recreation. 36 CFR 261.2.
Developed trailhead facilities means amenities OTHER THAN PARKING FACILITIES, including but not limited to
restrooms, day use areas, and picnic tables, BUT NOT TRAILS OR TRAILHEADS.
This Order shall remain in effect until May 31, 2020, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.
Done at Lakewood, Colorado, this 7th day of April, 2020.
Jennifer Eberlien
Regional Forester
Rocky Mountain Region
A violation of this prohibition is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an
organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both. 16 USC 551 and 18 USC 3559, 3571, and 3581.
