Visitors urged to stay off muddy and wet roads, trails in White River National Forest
The Aspen Times archives
Summer travel season begins Tuesday, May 21, which means new travel guidelines in the White River National Forest. Roads and trails will reopen, but some may remain unpassable despite having opened, a Tuesday news release states.
The Forest Service urges visitors to stay off muddy or wet roads and trails as more damage could be done to the road’s surface. Avoiding wet roads and trails also includes mountain bikers who are urged to abide by the slogan posted at many trailheads, “Ride dirt, not mud.” Many roads will need time to harden as the wet season progresses.
“We’re asking visitors to please be patient and avoid using muddy roads and trails until they have time to dry out and harden to minimize damage,” White River National Forest Recreation Program Manager Sam Massman said in the release.
Not all roads will be opened, especially roads and trails at higher elevations where the snow has not yet melted off, and travel could disturb elk calving. Elk calves are incredibly sensitive to human interaction; if elk and their calves are continually forced to move or are stressed out by human presence, as many as 30% more elk calves can die.
“The general idea is when elk have little baby calves, it’s a stressful and sensitive time, and so people, dogs and vehicles getting close to them can really hurt the elk and their calves,” Massman said.
Understanding the travel regulations in the White River National Forest is essential. E-bikes are considered motor vehicles and will only be allowed to travel on roads suitable for other motor vehicle travel. Traditional bikes are allowed on trails where mechanized use is permitted. All motor and mechanized travel off-road or off-trail in the White River National Forest is prohibited.
To ensure you are riding where you are allowed, visit ranger stations for the most up-to-date closure maps. Downloadable maps of summer motor and mechanized use trails are also available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/whiteriver.
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