U.S. Forest Service-Arapaho & Roosevelt Natl Forests Pawnee Natl Grassland

06/23/2026

06/22/2026

This weekend firefighters had to respond to numerous abandoned campfires. Be sure to check fire restrictions - all our mountain districts are in stage 1 restrictions. In the limited areas campfires are allowed, make sure they are out cold to the touch. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/arp/alerts/fire-restrictions

06/19/2026

From campgrounds to trails, young animals are often seen on their own across the Arapaho Roosevelt Pawnee. Baby birds are commonly mistaken for being abandoned, but many species spend time outside the nest as they learn to fly. During this stage, parents often remain nearby and continue feeding and caring for their young.

If you encounter young wildlife, give it space and observe from a distance. In most cases, parents are still actively caring for their young even when they are not immediately visible. Keeping pets leashed and allowing wildlife to remain undisturbed helps support their natural development.

06/18/2026

Zebra mussels and other aquatic nuisance species can spread from one body of water to another on inner tubes, life jackets, and other river gear. Before heading to a new river, lake or reservoir, inspect your equipment and remove any mud, plants, or debris. After your float, clean and dry all gear before using it again.

Preventing the spread of aquatic nuisance species helps protect the waterways Coloradans rely on for drinking water, recreation, agriculture and more. Learn more: http://cpw.info/PainIntheANS

(Photo courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife)

06/17/2026

Sunset Boat Ramp on Lake Granby is now open for the season, increasing boating access on the Arapaho National Recreation Area. All boats entering Lake Granby, Shadow Mountain Reservoir and Grand Lake must be inspected for aquatic nuisance species by on-site Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff prior to using boat ramps.

Due to drought and low water levels in Lake Granby, staff will continue to assess conditions at boat ramps and may close them if water levels are not high enough for safe use. Check the status of boating sites on the Arapaho National Recreation Area on our website: https://nfs.fs2c.usda.gov/r02/arp/recreation/arapaho-national-recreation-area

06/17/2026

Construction is complete on the new vault toilet at Herman Gulch Trailhead off Interstate 70 and the trailhead is once again open to its full parking capacity. Please do not place garbage in vault toilets, as it is very difficult to remove.

In addition to providing a private space for visitors to do their business, vault toilets also play a key role in maintaining the cleanliness of heavily-used trailheads and preserving water quality in downstream watersheds. Play your part in protecting these resources by using the provided vault toilet responsibly.

06/15/2026

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions have been expanded to include the Sulphur Ranger District in Grand County. Under Stage 1 restrictions fires are permitted only in Forest Service installed and maintained fire rings in developed and hosted campgrounds and recreation areas. See details at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/arp/alerts/fire-restrictions

In National Forest areas not currently under fire restrictions extreme caution is advised. Bring at least five gallons of water to completely extinguish all heat from any fires prior to leaving them unattended. Consider local conditions before starting a fire, and consider using gas or propane heating devices as an alternative.

06/11/2026

Ticks can be as small as a poppy seed. There are five ticks in this photo. Can you spot them?

Steps to protect against ticks:
1. Dress in light-colored long sleeves and tuck your pants into your socks.

2. Apply EPA-approved repellent (like DEET or picaridin) to skin and treat clothing with
permethrin.

3. Always walk in the center of trails, and shower and do a full-body check as soon
as you get home.

Learn more about protecting yourself from ticks when enjoying National Forests and Grassland. https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/ticks

06/10/2026

Facilities at Berthoud Pass will be temporarily closed from 10 a.m. 6/11 until 8 a.m. 6/12 for cleaning and maintenance, including painting. The parking lot will remain open for visitors. Thank you for your patience as we improve this site!

06/08/2026

Get Free for Three Trail Projects This Summer!
 
Free up a Saturday — or three! — to help IPWA and the U.S. Forest Service do light maintenance along wilderness trails.  It’s another way you can give back, meet fellow volunteers, and enjoy the backcountry.  Save these dates and stay tuned for project details and signups: July 11, August 22, and September 19.
 
Questions?  Email Jere (“Jerry”) Paulmeno, IPWA Trail Projects Coordinator, at [email protected]