BLM winter closures begin Dec. 1 in Eagle, Garfield, Pitkin counties
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SILT, Colo. – Annual winter closures to motorized vehicles will go into effect Dec. 1 on certain lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management’s Colorado River Valley Field Office to protect critical big game winter range and prevent road damage.
These seasonal gate closures occur annually from Dec. 1 to April 30 at several points in the Castle Peak area in Eagle County, East Elk Creek in Garfield County, and on Light Hill and the Crown in Pitkin County. All of the areas continue to be open to non-motorized recreation opportunities such as hiking, snowshoeing, horseback riding and skiing.
“We appreciate the public’s cooperation in helping us protect wildlife and public lands,” said BLM Colorado River Valley Field Manager Steve Bennett.
BLM’s Wolcott and Gypsum campgrounds in Eagle County are closed for the winter and will reopen this spring when conditions allow.
For additional information or to report violations in these areas, call the BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office in Silt, (970) 876-9000.
In addition, the lower gate at Transfer Trail above Glenwood Springs was closed Nov. 24 to maintain snow conditions for snowmobiling. Under new travel management guidelines for the White River National Forest, the Forest Service portion of Transfer Trail (Forest Route 602) is closed to wheeled vehicles beginning Nov. 23. For more information about the new travel management rules on the White River National Forest, which do affect winter travel, contact the White River National Forest, (970) 319-2670.
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.