Annual dirt road closures in the Eldorado National Forest begin

The Eldorado National Forest has started its annual closure of native surface (dirt) roads. The closure went into effect on January 1 and will remain in place until at least April 1.

The seasonal closure is designed to protect roadbeds and watersheds from damage and to protect water quality. A minimum three-month closure period from January 1 through March 30 was designated for the core part of the winter in the Eldorado National Forest Travel Management Plan. To maintain flexibility, the timing of the dirt road closure is determined based on current conditions each year which may cause the closure to go into effect early or be extended. Regardless of when the closure is in effect, visitors should use good judgment about whether motor vehicle use will cause resource damage, and they can be held responsible if damage occurs.

The seasonal closure does not affect routes in the Rock Creek Area of the Eldorado National Forest near Georgetown, which has its own route closure process.

Roads subject to seasonal closure are identified on a Motor Vehicle Use Map that can be found on the forest website at: www.fs.usda.gov/eldorado. For more information on recreation opportunities and current conditions in the Eldorado National Forest, visit the forest website or contact our Visitor Information staff Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at:

Forest Supervisor's Office: 530-303-2412
Amador Ranger District: 209-259-3774
Placerville and Pacific Ranger Districts: 530-644-2324
Georgetown Ranger District: 530-334-6477