Closures and Alerts

Due to ongoing construction at Copper Mountain Resort, ~1.75 miles of trail is currently closed and can be bypassed via a ~1.75 mile detour.

For westbound travelers in this section (CDT southbound), do not cross the bridge into the parking lot, but turn right to head north on the recreation path. In ½ mile, turn left (west) to cross over 10 Mile Creek. Travel west on the rec path (cross Highway 91 at the traffic light) ¾ mile to Ten Mile Circle. Turn left at 10 Mile Circle and travel ¼ mile into Copper Mountain Center Village. Turn left at Starbucks, pass Copper Sports-Eagle BBQ, & follow signs to end of detour. Turn right onto CT.

For eastbound travelers in this section (CDT northbound), follow signs into Copper Mountain Center Village. Pass Eagle BBQ, Copper Sports, and turn right at Starbucks. Travel N/W on Ten Mile Circle, ¼ mile to Copper Road. Turn right (east) on Copper Road. In ¾ of a mile, just after crosswalk at highway 91 stoplight, turn right to cross 10 Mile Creek (if you pass Conoco station, you went too far). Turn right on recreation path and travel ½ mile south to end of detour. Turn left onto CT.

Delays Expected

Update: 7/17
Helicopter construciton operations will take place on Sunday July 20th beginning at 7am to approximately 5pm. The CDT will temporaily close between CDT mile 1088-1087 for up to one hour intervals during this time. Trail guards will be holding foot traffic and allow hikers to pass during 5-10 minutes gaps in flight operations.

Update: 6/20
On June 25th a helicopter will be hauling heavy loads above the trail just north of Monarch Pass. For your safety guards will be in place conducting foot traffic. The trail may close intermittently for up to four hours during aerial operations beginning at 7am. Please follow instructions from personnel and thank you for your patience.

Update: 3/24
The CDT section through the Monarch Mountain Ski Area will involve temporary closures due to construction at Monarch Ski area. Stops or delays should be limited to the shortest duration possible (e.g., minute or hour delays) rather than extended periods (days), while ensuring public safety. Expect heavy machinery traveling along the ridgeline during the day between summer 2025 and late fall 2025. Construction operations will resume in early summer 2025.

The Trout Fire was 100% contained on July 24 and the associated area closure was lifted as of Thursday, July 31. The public should be aware of hazards that exist within the burned area, including stump holes and loosened soil, rolling rocks, logs, and other debris, fire-weakened trees, and roads or trails that may be impassable due to fallen trees or flood impacts. There is potential for flash flooding within the burned area, especially where soil and vegetation burned at higher intensity. 

Update 7/10:
Jericho Mountain Fire Closure is now rescinded. Closure Order Number 01_15_12_25_11 has been rescinded as of 07-10-2025. The closure order was lifted for all roads and trails, including the Continental Divide Trail. Use caution near or in burned area due to unstable surfaces and fire weakened trees.

Reroute:

Jericho Fire CDT reroute map and directions

For more info: Inciweb

The CDT has reopened from the Buck fire (New Mexico BLM Socorro district: mile 291.5-332.5). Please be aware of potential post fire hazards and navigation challenges.  

For more info: InciWeb

Update 6/12: The Gila National Forest now advises anyone recreating in this area to ensure proper store storage of food and scented items.

Update 5/15: Gila National Forest has received numerous reports of a human-habituated bear frequenting the Jordan Hot Springs area of the Gila Wilderness. The bear has charged at hikers, harassed campers at a campsite, destroyed a tent, and entered the hot spring while visitors were soaking in it.

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is advising visitors to avoid the area until the department has had an opportunity to investigate and respond appropriately. Signs will be posted at local trailheads while this hazard exists. Learn more about living with bears at Keeping Bears Alive and Yourself Safe.

Jordan Hot Springs is along an undesignated “Gila Alternate” route along the Middle Fork trail used by many CDT hikers.

For more information contact:

Maribeth Pecotte, Public Affairs Officer
(987) 654-3210
[email protected]
www.fs.usda.gov/r03/gila

All lands managed by the White River National Forest are under Stage 1 fire restrictions effective June 27, 2025. 

Under stage 1 restrictions:

• campfires are only allowed within designated fire grates in developed campgrounds (including the Forest Service Homestake Valley designated dispersed camping sites in Eagle County); this means a metal, in-ground containment structure — fire pans and rock campfire rings are not acceptable.
• no fires of any type including charcoal outside of developed areas
• no smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or in a barren area free of vegetation
• no use of explosive materials, including explosive targets
• no welding or operation of an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame except from an area that has been cleared of vegetation
• no operation of any internal combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed and in working order

Click here to see full order.

STAGE 1 FIRE AND SMOKING RESTRICTIONS

When Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in place, the following acts are prohibited on USDA Forest Service lands managed under the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests:

1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire. (This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, charcoal grills, hibachis, and coal or wood-burning stoves.)

EXCEPTIONS: Campfires are permitted in USDA Forest Service-developed campgrounds and picnic grounds, and only in USDA Forest Service-provided, manufactured fire grates and grills. Petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices are allowed on all National Forest System lands, provided such devices meet the Underwriters Laboratories specifications for safety.

More info

The following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands within the San Juan National Forest

1. Igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes), except if it is in:
a. A permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the U.S. Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas);

b. A device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off used in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device; or

c. A fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least five feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with a screen opening of a ¼ inch or less used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device. 36 CFR § 261.52(a).

2. Using an explosive. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(b)

3. Smoking is prohibited, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site,
or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all
flammable materials. 36 CFR § 261.52(d)

Click here to see full order.

No fires except if it is in:

1. A  permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the U.S. Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites
   (campgrounds and picnic areas) – see Exhibit B;
2. A device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off used in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device; or
3. A fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least five feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with a screen opening of a ¼ inch or less used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device

Click here to see full order.

Pursuant to Grant County Fire Code Ordinance No. 14-2, the Grant County Fire Management Officer finds that there are currently severe and/or extreme drought conditions and a state of fire emergency. Consequently, the following restrictions shall be in effect:

All open fires are prohibited, except in developed camp and picnic grounds where agency­ built fire rings or grills are provided. Check postings at campgrounds before starting a fire.

1. No open burning: campfires, croplands, fields, rangeland, debris/trash burning, slash piles, or weeds are all prohibited.
2. Covered propane grills are generally allowed on areas of barren dirt, pavement, concrete or similar surfaces, unless determined to be a fire hazard by an enforcing officer.
3. Motorized equipment must have spark arrestors.
4. Do not dispose of: hot ashes, cinders, smoldering coals or greasy or oily materials subject to spontaneous ignition except in an approved combustible receptacle.
5. Any hazardous source of ignition, as determined by the County Fire Management Officer or the Grant County Manager, with respect to this posted notice is prohibited in accordance within the posted park or area.

These restrictions shall be effective immediately and shall remain in effect until conditions improve and will only be lifted at the direction of the Fire Management Officer and/or the Grant County Manager.

Penalties: Any individual, firm, partnership, corporation or other entity who violates this ordinance or restrictions imposed pursuant to this ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined in an amount not to exceed $300 and may be imprisoned for up to ninety (90) days, or both.

Full details