Due to the steady snowfall over the last week, the Dillon Ranger District is closing some road gates earlier than usual.      

“It’s great to see this much snow in early November,” Dillon District Ranger Adam Bianchi said. “Given that more than a foot of snow has accumulated on these roads already, we are closing the gates early for public safety and to protect the snow base for winter recreation.”

On Friday, Nov. 8, crews were set to close the gates on Mayflower Gulch Road (NFSR 1178), Miner’s Creek Road (NFSR 1000), and Shrine Pass Road on Vail Pass (NFSR 709). Gates at Keystone Gulch Road (NFSR 175) and McCullough Gulch Road (NFSR 851) were closed earlier this week. The five roads are closed to wheeled vehicles but open to other recreation.  

During the winter season on the White River National Forest, all wheeled vehicles, including bikes, are limited to plowed routes to protect snow conditions for winter recreation and to protect road quality. Dates on the transition from summer to winter travel varies by road and conditions, but most roads in the Dillon Ranger District will switch to winter recreation on Nov. 23.

Shrine Pass Road is in the Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area, where gates are typically closed Nov. 15. The west side of the winter recreation area did not receive as much snow, so road gates in the Camp Hale and Red Cliff area will remain open until Nov. 15. Visitors will be able to drive Shrine Pass Road from Red Cliff but will need to exit to the west as well. 

Specific road information is available at Fs.usda, including downloadable maps.