Effective July 24, 2025 (15:00) District 6 ban has been lifted. While open burning may now be allowed under certain conditions, fire danger still exists, and responsible behavior is critical.
✅ What You Still Need to Do:
Obtain a valid burn permit through JCFPD before burning.
...Check daily fire danger levels and weather conditions—high winds or dry fuels can reignite restrictions quickly.
Have water, a shovel, and a phone on-site during all burns.
Stay with your fire until it is cold to the touch.
🔥 Just because it's legal doesn’t mean it's safe in every situation. One escaped ember can still trigger a major incident.
"Plan smart, burn safely, and stay alert.
Visit jcfpd.org for permits, fire weather, and prevention tips.
Let’s keep Park County wildfire-free together."
📢 TRAIL ALERT: STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT! 📢
For the safety of our forests and visitors, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are currently in place across the fo...llowing National Forests that the Trail passes through (all the red outlined areas on the map):
White River National Forest
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests
San Juan National Forest
What does this mean for your time on the Trail?
Outside of a handful of segments, much of your time will be in forests with Stage 1 restrictions. Under Stage 1 restrictions, the following are generally PROHIBITED outside of designated, installed fire grates in developed campgrounds:
NO campfires (including charcoal or briquettes)
NO fires of any type outside of developed areas (this includes fire pans and rock rings)
NO smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or in a barren area cleared of all flammable materials.
NO use of explosive materials.
NO operation of any internal combustion engine without a spark-arresting device properly installed and in working order.
Exceptions:
Devices solely fueled by liquid or gas (e.g., propane stoves) that can be turned on and off are generally permitted in areas cleared of flammable materials. This means that alcohol, esbit, or solid fuel stoves are not allowed.
Your cooperation is crucial! Wildfires can start easily, and the vast majority are human-caused. Please be vigilant and recreate on the Trail responsibly.
Before you head out, always check the latest conditions directly with the respective National Forest or local authorities, as restrictions can change rapidly.
Thank you for helping us protect the Trail!