Wildfires Close the Entire Canyon Lakes Ranger District

Wildfires Close the Entire Canyon Lakes Ranger District

Contact(s): Reghan Cloudman

Fort Collins, Colo., October 15, 2020 – Due to recent fire activity and weather forecasts on the Cameron Peak Fire burning in Larimer County, the Forest Service is closing the entire Canyon Lakes Ranger District of the Roosevelt National Forest. The general area now closed is all National Forest System lands west of the National Forest boundary; east of the Colorado State Forest State Park and Rocky Mountain National Park; south of the Colorado state line; and north of Johnny Park Road (see map). This new order includes the addition of lands south of Highway 34. Details of the updated closure and a map are available on our website.

This closure impacts numerous recreation sites, including all campgrounds, trails, and Forest Service Roads. These are listed on our website. This closure also impacts numerous dispersed areas, often used for hunting this time of year. Colorado Parks and Wildlife have information for impacted hunters available on their website.

This closure is in place for public safety and to support firefighting efforts. These areas are very popular with recreationists but also, in many cases, remote. Roads and trails are greatly interconnected. If evacuations are necessary, it can be difficult to reach people and can take emergency responders a great deal of time to make sure everyone is out safely. Public and firefighter safety is our number one priority.

If you need ideas on other locations to recreate, please check our website or check with one of your other local land management agencies for opportunities. It is also important to know that the entire Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland remains under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions.

Check the latest status of state highways with the Colorado Department of Transportation. There are also some closures adjacent to our closure within the State Forest State Park. Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented temporary closures in the more remote northern area of the park due to the Cameron Peak Fire. The closure impacts numerous trails and wilderness campsites. Check their website at www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm for details.

If you are looking for information on the Cameron Peak Fire, please check InciWeb. Larimer County Sheriff’s Office is your source for evacuation information. Information on the Mullen Fire is also available on InciWeb.