COLORADO— Forest Service officials are reminding visitors to enjoy their national forests and grasslands safely and responsibly.

The Rocky Mountain Region (Region) manages 11 national forests and grasslands in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. The Region manages a broad range of world-renowned recreation resources and services including 19,751 miles of trails, 18 scenic byways, 1,928 developed recreation areas, 48 designated Wilderness areas, 49 peaks over 14,000 feet, and more.

Before heading out to enjoy the outdoors, please keep the following in mind:
• Know Before You Go. Call the area you plan to visit to check local conditions.
• Record winter and spring weather conditions are affecting some roads, trails, and recreation sites on forests and grasslands across the Rocky Mountain Region.
• Due to the amount of snowfall and numerous avalanches, many mountainous areas are inaccessible, while lower elevation areas are experiencing flooding.
• Debris movement through waterways, culverts, across trails and high-water runoff is expected.
• Heavy snowpack in higher elevations has extended winter recreation and increased avalanche danger.  Check avalanche conditions before venturing into mountain areas.
• Saturated soils also have the potential to cause landslides and road slumping. Be prepared to turn around when slides have crossed roads or roads have eroded away.
• Flash floods can occur at any time, even if you do not see any rain. Check the forecast before you head out and be extra cautious when camping near streambeds or low-lying areas.
• Dead trees can fall at any time. Don’t camp or park near dead or discolored trees and keep away during strong winds.
• Wildfires can start at any time. Parking in tall, dry grass or an unattended campfire can start a devastating wildfire.  
• Enjoy nature’s night sky and leave the fireworks at home.  Remember fireworks are not allowed on public lands.
• Be fire safe!  As conditions change, some areas may be under fire restrictions. Check rmacc.info for the latest fire restriction information.

For more outdoor safety tips visit https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go. For information on Leave No Trace Principals visit https://lnt.org/learn/7-principles. For recreation information visit https://www.fs.fed.us/ivm/index.html.