Forest Service reduces Gold Mountain and Elk Fire closure areas

(Delta, CO, August 25, 2026)—The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests have reduced previously established closure areas associated with the Gold Mountain and Elk wildfires. Updated closure boundaries went into effect August 24 at 5 p.m. and remain in place through Dec. 1, unless conditions allow an earlier adjustment.

The reductions reopen several popular destinations while still restricting access where fire activity and firefighter operations require additional space.

Western Area (Gold Mountain Fire) – The western closure area is located east of U.S. Highway 550 in Ouray County. This area includes National Forest lands near Dexter Creek, Horse Thief Trail and portions of the Uncompahgre Wilderness. Roads, trails and recreation sites in the Silver Jack, Cimarron and Cow Creek drainages remain closed while firefighters continue work on the Gold Mountain Fire. 

Eastern Area (Elk Fire) – The eastern closure area, associated with the Elk Fire, is located west of State Highway 149 and includes National Forest System lands around Big Blue Creek as well as portions of the Ridgestock Driveway and Uncompahgre Peak trail. Several high‑use destinations in this region are now open, including Nellie Creek Road and the Nellie Creek Trailhead, the Uncompahgre Peak Trail and Uncompahgre Peak itself, as well as Wetterhorn Peak, the Wetterhorn Peak Trail and Matterhorn Peak. These locations are accessible from the south and east and are outside the adjusted closure footprint.

See closure order for full detailed boundary descriptions and maps.

Several recreation sites remain closed under the updated order, including Beaver Lake Campground and Fishing Site, Big Cimarron Campground, Cimarron Forks Camping Area, Clear Lake/Rowdy Lake Trailhead, Courthouse Trailhead, Dexter Creek Trailhead, East Fork Trailhead and East Fork dispersed camping, Independence Trailhead, Jackson Lookout/Cabin, the Middle Fork Cimarron dispersed camping area, Owl Creek Pass dispersed camping, Owl Creek Vista Trailhead, Silver Jack boating, camping and picnic sites, Vista Point Trailhead, West Fork Trailhead and the West Fork Cimarron dispersed camping area. For full list of roads, trails and recreation sites, please see full closure order here.

The GMUG National Forests are currently under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions.

For more GMUG updates, visit the official website or Facebook page. For information on the Gold Mountain or Elk Fire, see below.

Gold Mountain Fire: https://www.facebook.com/GoldMountainFire
Elk Fire: https://www.facebook.com/2026elkfire

About the Forest Service: The Forest Service has brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation for more than 100 years. Grounded in world-class science and technology—and rooted in communities—the Forest Service connects people to nature and recreation opportunities. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, supports the nation’s forest industry and energy needs, and operates the largest and most respected wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. By providing assistance to state and private landowners and working with Tribes and other partners, the Forest Service also helps steward an additional 900 million forested acres within the U.S.

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