Seasonal closures in Uncompahgre Field Office begin December 1

Montrose, Colo. – The BLM will implement annual winter closures in the Uncompahgre Field Office beginning December 1 to prevent road and trail damage and reduce stress to wintering wildlife. A number of animal species, including elk and mule deer, have been found to be more vulnerable to disturbance during winter months.

“Public lands provide critical winter habitat during a stressful time for deer and elk when resources are limited,” said Uncompahgre Field Manager Dan Ben-Horin. “The presence of humans or dogs can disturb wintering wildlife, impacting their reproductive fitness and ability to survive.”

Uncompahgre Field Office seasonal closures apply to all or portions of:

Burn Canyon Special Recreation Management area

• December 1 to April 30: Burn Canyon trail system and all BLM routes are closed to motorized and mechanized travel. 

Dry Creek Special Recreation Management Area 

• December 1 to March 31: Routes north of Transfer Road within the Sandy Wash and Roatcap area are closed to motorized and mechanized travel.
• December 1 to April 15: Routes south of Rim Road, beginning with the route that drops into Shavano Valley and south and east of Rim Road until it connects to 90 Road, then north of 90 Road, are closed to motorized and mechanized travel.
• December 1 to April 15: Electric Hills routes south of Highway 90 are closed to all modes of travel, including mechanized, foot, and equestrian. This closure does not include the Montrose County staging area.

Jumbo Mountain Special Recreation Management Area

• December 1 to April 15: Routes east of the Powerline Connector (RMZ 2) are closed to all modes of travel, including mechanized, foot, and equestrian. 
• December 15 to July 15: Jumbo Ridge, Rock n Roll, and Shitake Ridge routes are closed to all modes of travel, including mechanized, foot, and equestrian, to protect golden eagles throughout their breeding cycle.

Ridgway Special Recreation Management Area 

• December 1 to April 30: Routes in the Ridgway Area Trails (RAT) system are closed to all modes of travel, including mechanized, foot, and equestrian.

Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area

• December 1 to May 15: Portions of Black Ridge and Fruitland Mesa east of the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness, west of the Black Canyon Road, south of the Smith Fork drainage and north of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park are closed to motorized and mechanical uses. 
• March 15 to May 15: Portions of Black Ridge and Fruitland Mesa east of the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness, west of the Black Canyon Road, south of the Smith Fork drainage and north of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park are closed to all human use during Gunnison sage-grouse lekking season.

Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area 

• December 1 to April 30: Routes north of 25 Mesa Road and lands in Gibbler Gulch, Wagon Park, and Sawmill Mesa areas are closed to motorized and mechanical uses.

Motorized travel is defined as off-highway vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, and full-sized vehicles, while mechanized travel pertains to bicycles. Before heading out, be sure to review maps and detailed information on closure areas, dates, and affected modes of transportation online at https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/recreation-activities/colorado/closures/uncompahgre-field-office.

When recreating on public lands in winter, remember to observe wildlife from a distance and keep your pets under control. For additional information, call the BLM Uncompahgre Field Office at (970) 240-5300 or visit us at the Montrose Public Lands Center, 2505 South Townsend Ave in Montrose.