BLM winter travel restrictions begin Dec. 15 in Grand and Jackson counties
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KREMMLING, Colo. - The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will begin its annual winter restrictions on motorized travel in Grand and Jackson counties beginning Dec. 15, which continue through April 15 in most areas. The restrictions help reduce stress on wintering big game herds and prevent road damage.
“These annual winter closures are important to reduce impacts to big game herds and other wildlife that are under increased stress over the winter months,” said BLM Kremmling Field Manager Stephen Leonard. “We appreciate the public’s support in following these seasonal closures and restrictions.”
Dec. 15 - April 15
• The North Sand Hills Special Management Recreation Area in Jackson County is closed to motorized and mechanized vehicles, including snowmobiles.
• In the Wolford Mountain area in Grand County, which includes public lands between U.S. Highway 40 and Grand County Road 2 (Back Troublesome Road), motorized travel is limited to over-the-snow tracked vehicles on BLM administered lands along roads 224, 25, 26 and 2 when there is a minimum of 12 inches of snow.
All other travel routes and areas on BLM lands on Wolford Mountain will be closed to all motorized use. Non-motorized travel typically will be permitted throughout the area during winter travel restrictions.
Changing conditions may cause the restrictions to be modified in the Wolford area.
Seasonal restrictions are extended in two areas of Wolford Mountain to protect nesting raptors.
Dec. 15 - May 31
• Wolford Mountain Single-Track
Dec. 15 - July 31
• Muddy Creek Trail north of the Muddy Creek fishing access bridge.
Motorized travel is restricted on the following routes to over-the-snow tracked vehicles when there is a minimum of 12 inches of snow unless otherwise noted. The roads may be gated until there is sufficient snow.
Dec. 15 - April 15
• Inspiration Point Flats Road - north of Trough Road (County Road 1)
Dec. 15 - June 1
• Black Mountain Road - from County Road 2
• Sulphur Gulch Road - access from U.S. Hwy 40
• Smith Mesa Road - north Parshall Divide Road between Hot Sulphur Springs and Parshall
• Kinney Creek Road - East of Hot Sulphur Springs and 2.2 miles north of US Hwy 40 (see below about possible logging operations). Please stage on BLM lands and do not block private driveways
• Hogback Road - from Hwy. 125
• Strawberry Road - beyond the Fraser River Canyon Trail parking area. Closed to all motorized vehicles, including snowmobiles and other tracked vehicles
• Hurd Peak Road - from intersection of Strawberry Road. Closed to all motorized vehicles including, snowmobiles and other tracked vehicles.
Pumphouse and Radium campgrounds are closed for camping until May 1. Day use is permitted at both Pumphouse and Radium Recreation Areas fee free until May 1.
Maps of the closure areas are available at https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/recreation-activities/colorado/closures/kremmling-field-office
To report violations or for further information please contact the Kremmling Field Office, 2103 E. Park Ave. (970) 724-3000.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.