Recent rains impacting access to some public lands

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Heavy rains in the past week have made for muddy and sometimes impassable road conditions in some areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management Grand Junction Field Office (GJFO). Those accessing remote public lands should pay attention to weather forecasts and check conditions before heading out.

“If you are planning a trip into our desert backcountry, you need to be prepared for all conditions, as well as self-rescue,” Associate Field Manager Raul Morales said. “Especially during our seasonal monsoons, you may start your trip on a beautiful summer morning and end up stranded miles from anywhere because of an afternoon downpour.”

The Coal Creek Canyon Road, near Cameo, is currently impassable and more rain is expected in the next few days. Other roads in the Book Cliffs may have similar conditions as fragile desert soils can quickly turn ugly with a passing rainstorm. Many access roads to our public lands follow the ridges of steep terrain, and significant moisture on these passages can create dangerous conditions. Travelers need to use extreme caution on these roads.

For additional information, contact the GJFO at (970) 244-3000.

-BLM-