Routt County and Routt National Forest Trail and Access Update

by | Aug 13, 2021 | Bikes, Camping, Featured Products, Hiking and Camping Gear, Latest News

Flat Top Mountain on a gorgeous blue sky day

Here is an overview of the trails, lakes, rivers, and streams that are available in and around Steamboat Springs, the Routt National Forest, Mount Zirkel Wilderness, Flat Tops Wilderness, and Sarvis Creek Wilderness.

There are numerous opportunities to get out and explore either on foot or bicycle. Hazy skies are persistent due to wildfire smoke drifting into our area from California, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and other western states.

August 12th, 2021
*Interstate I-70 through Glenwood Canyon is scheduled to reopen 8/14*

Locally, the Morgan Creek Fire continues to burn. See below for more information.

Air Quality Alerts

Air quality this week is very good but that is subject to change depending on from which direction the wind decides to blow…

Current Fire Conditions

Muddy Slide Fire. South Routt. 4,093 acres, 70% contained, lightning caused, CR 16 over Lynx Pass is OPEN

Morgan Creek Fire. North Routt. 7,505 acres, 24% contained, lightning-caused, Seedhouse Rd. area CLOSED

Yampa River

Yampa River (tubeable <700cfs) put in at Fetcher Pond or downstream: CLOSED Low water/high water temps. No fishing or tubing.

Steamboat Springs Trails

Emerald Mtn in town: All trails OPEN.

Mt. Werner in town: Stmbt Bike Park CLOSED above Christie Peak due to construction. Gondola closed. Multiuse trails open.

Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area and North Routt

Seedhouse Rd. – North Routt County and Mount Zirkel access.: CLOSED due to Morgan Creek fire activity

Zirkel Circle: CLOSED. Zirkel Wilderness from Diamond Park to Mt. Ethel (roughly), E and W access closed due to Morgan Creek fire. These popular trails includes Gilpin Lake Trail and Gold Creek Trails

Mica Basin: CLOSED

Rabbit Ears/Divide: Dry, clear

Buffalo Pass: OPEN

Nipple Peak/Prospector Trails: clear/dry

Flat Tops Wilderness Area and South Routt

Devil’s Causeway/Flattops: Roads clear to Stillwater, Trapper’s Lake, trails clear, wildflowers blooming!.

Sarvis Creek Wilderness Area

Both Silver Creek and Sarvis Creek Trails are open. Expect downed trees on both trails. Dry.

Fire Restrictions in Place

*FS Stage 2 Fire Restrictions* NO open fires

FYI. Keep Our Bears Safe

*Bear-proof containers REQUIRED at all developed sites in Medicine Bow – Routt NF

Where can we go?

Stay off I-70 detour (Hwy 40 corridor) and explore the Flat Tops or N. Routt (Hahn’s Peak/Steamboat Lake). All lakes are open; Steamboat, Pearl, Hahn’s Peak Lake, Stagecoach. Hike or bike ride some world class gravel ranch roads.