Winter/Spring Trail Closures

PLEASE RESPECT TRAIL CLOSURES!

The winter and spring months are some of the most critical times for wildlife here in the Gunnison basin. There are several road, trail and area closures that go into effect between January and May to help protect our local critters as they survive the harsh Gunnison winter. There are closures to protect wintering elk and mule deer (Jan. 1 – April 30th in Signal Peak), closures to protect the Gunnison Sage grouse (typically any closure from March 15 – May 15) at both Signal Peak and Hartman Rocks, and mud closures on roads and trails throughout Gunnison County to protect both Sage grouse and prevent road damage during the wet spring conditions. Needless to say, things can get a bit confusing out there this time of year. To simplify, here’s a list of closures by area:

HARTMAN ROCKS:

  • All roads and trails SOUTH of Powerline Rd. (Bambi’s, Sawtooth, Back-In, 9-0, Outback, Skull Pass and Aberdeen Loop) closed to motorized and mountain bike use from March 15 – May 15 for Sage grouse conservation.
  • Mud closures of all trails and roads to mechanized and motorized use as the trails melt out from the winter, typically mid-late April.

SIGNAL PEAK:

  • The entire Signal Peak area is closed to mechanized use (mountain bikes) from January 1 – April 30, and no use before 10am May 1 – May 15
  • The entire Signal Peak area is closed to motorized use from January 1 – May 15
  • The northwest portion of the Signal Peak area is closed to ALL USES (snowshoers, skiers, dog walkers, hikers, bikers) from MARCH 15 – MAY 15 for Sage grouse conservation. This includes the Ridgeline trail from the second radio tower, Rasta Gulch, Chicken Wing, Cranor Hill and Shoelace trails. Check out our Signal Map to see all closures for the area.
  • For hikers and runners, no use prior to 10am March 15 – May 15
  • The Campus Trails behind Western Colorado University are not subject to the area closures for Signal Peak (as they are not managed by the BLM) and are a great early season outlet as trails begin to dry out. Trails include Contour West, Cemetery, Canal, Old Car, Zig Zag, Chin Ups and the Flow Track (see the Campus Trails map in the sidebar).
Spring Trail Conditions