BLM closes Vermillion Falls Road
Sinkholes have created public safety hazard
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CRAIG, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management has temporarily closed Vermillion Falls Road off of Colorado Highway 318, 40 miles west of Maybell in Moffat County. Subsurface erosion has resulted in deep sinkholes in the roadbed and are a danger to public safety.
“There’s no way to predict if or when a large section of the road surface could fall away,” said Little Snake Field Manager Bruce Sillitoe. “Closing the road is necessary to prevent unsuspecting drivers from falling in existing sinkholes or those that may collapse.”
The road provides access to Vermillion Falls, a popular year-round destination. Visitors can still access the falls via foot from where the road is closed and can call the Little Snake Field Office at 970-826-5000 for information about the safest routes. Vermillion Falls Road will remain closed until further notice until repairs are completed. The BLM will be evaluating long-term solutions for the road to ensure public safety.
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.