Seasonal closures of public lands around Durango extended through end of April

John Livingston
Southwest Region Public Information Officer
970-759-9590 / [email protected]
@CPW_SW

DURANGO, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management, City of Durango and Colorado Parks and Wildlife have extended multiple seasonal closures on public lands in the Durango area through the end of April.

This is an extension of closures in place since Dec. 1 to protect vulnerable wintering wildlife. While some closures typically expire after April 15 during most years, this year’s deep and persistent snowpack has led to the extension of closures through April 30, 2023. This is the first time the closures have had to be extended since 2019.

“We have worse conditions this year than the last time we did this,” said CPW Assistant Area Wildlife Manager Steve McClung. “While we are starting to see a little bit of ground open up right now, it doesn’t take long until you’re off that and into deep snow again. Snow levels are deeper all around both at the town elevation and, of course, north of town.”

Big-game animals move to higher elevations as snow melts and plants begin to green up, becoming palatable and nutritious. Until snow melts at higher elevations, big game remain at lower elevations to avoid harsh conditions. As a result, the BLM and CPW close areas that are critical for wintering wildlife.

CPW will extend seasonal closures on Bodo State Wildlife Area and Perins Peak State Wildlife Area. Additionally, the BLM has extended its closures on Animas City Mountain and Grandview Ridge. The City of Durango also has extended its closure of upper Twin Buttes.

Big Canyon, Sale Barn and Three Springs trailheads to Grandview will remain closed, as will the upper loops on Animas City.

“Big game in the area are coming off one of their toughest winters in a decade,” said BLM Supervisory Wildlife Biologist Nathaniel West. “In more mild winters, elk and deer around Durango may be able to move to higher elevations. However, this year Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the BLM expect big game to spend more time at the lower elevations. This is largely because of the high levels of snow at higher elevations – deer and elk really have nowhere else to go.”

Seasonal trail closures are imperative for the sustainability of wildlife. As the human footprint continues to grow through the impacts of development, there are fewer areas for wildlife to seek sanctuary during the winter months when forage is less abundant and lacking in nutritional value.

All closures are well marked with signs. Those in violation of the closures are subject to citation and fine. BLM and CPW officers write citations for those violating the closures every year.

The public is reminded to give wildlife space and to keep dogs on leash when recreating outside to help wildlife preserve critical calories during an important time when they are running on their last bit of built up reserves.

“We recognize this has been a long, intense winter for humans, too, and we’re all excited to get back on the trails,” said city of Durango Natural Resources Manager Amy Schwarzbach. “We appreciate the patience and support of Durango trail users at this time. We have great alternative places to recreate and hard surface trails to enjoy for just a couple more weeks while snow melts and wildlife can move across the landscape and while our trails dry out to prevent damage to muddy trails.”  

The partners remind the public that there are still abundant recreational resources currently dry and open to the public, including the Animas River Trail and local gravel roadways. Open trails include those at Horse Gulch, Overend Mountain Park, Dalla Mountain Park, Skyline, the lower loops on Animas City Mountain connecting to Dalla Mountain Park and the lower Twin Buttes trails. Please consider alternative locations if these trails are muddy to prevent trail damage.

Here is a more detailed look at the closures:

• Bodo State Wildlife Area: Public access is prohibited from Dec. 1 through April 30. The Smelter Mountain Trail is open for foot access only from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dogs are prohibited. Small game hunting is allowed south of County Road 210.

• Perins Peak State Wildlife Area: Public access is prohibited from Dec. 1 through April 30. However, closures remain in effect through July 31 in areas east of La Plata County Road 208.

• Big Canyon and Sale Barn trailheads off U.S. Highway 160 are closed to all public use.

• South Rim trail, including portions of Sidewinder and Cowboy trails on BLM property accessed from Carbon Junction trail or Crites Connection.

• Grandview BLM trails accessed from Three Springs.

• Animas City Mountain upper loop trails.

• All upper trails as marked in the Twin Buttes open space area.