(Montrose, CO, September 14, 2026)—The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Ouray Ranger District will reduce the closure area associated with the Gold Mountain Fire beginning Sept. 15 at 12:01 a.m.
This closure reduction will reopen many popular travel and recreation corridors, including Owl Creek Pass, West Fork, East Fork and the Silver Jack area. The updated closure order also identifies roads and trails that will remain closed due to inaccessibility and post-fire hazards, including the Middle Fork, Cow Creek, Dexter Creek and Cutler Creek roads and trails.
For a complete list of all roads and trails that will remain closed, see the updated Gold Mountain Fire closure order and map here.
As closures are reduced, it’s important for visitors to remain cautious and avoid entering recently burned areas. Wildfire‑affected terrain can still pose serious hazards including falling trees or snags, rolling debris, unstable ground, holes from burned root systems, airborne particulates, lingering smoke, displaces wildlife, smoldering embers or ash pits, and the potential for flash flooding and other weather-triggered hazards.
Firefighters continue to actively patrol, monitor and perform suppression work across the fire area as needed.
Visitors are encouraged to research conditions beforehand, respect posted closures, stay aware of weather conditions, use proper gear, carry reliable navigation tools, remain alert to unstable terrain or falling debris, travel with a partner, and take precautions to protect their respiratory and skin health in areas with lingering smoke or ash.
For fire and other GMUG updates, visit the official website or Facebook page.
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.
