Many of the exceptional recreational opportunities available in Southwest Colorado take place on public lands -- your lands to appreciate, preserve and protect. To ensure continued enjoyment of these recreational opportunities, please treat the land and other recreational users with respect. The following guidelines will be helpful when you enjoy the public lands in Southwestern Colorado:

PLEASE LEAVE NO TRACE

• Keep motorized vehicles on open roads;
  
  
• Keep ATVs and motorcycles on trails marked for their use;
  
  
• To limit erosion, never cut switchbacks when hiking on trails;
  
  
• Don't camp, wash yourself or clean cooking utensils in or near streams or lakes;
  
  
• Store food, garbage and other items with odors attractive to bears in a bear-resistant manner;
  
  
• Be careful with fire. Put campfires completely out -- better yet, use a camp stove. Don't park hot vehicles over long, dry grass;
  
  
• Pack out all your trash, including toilet paper;
  
  
• Resist the temptation to pick wildflowers. Leave them for others to enjoy;
  
  
• Do not disturb or remove archaeological or mining artifacts. They are protected by federal law;
  
  
• Stay away from old mining structures. They are dangerously unstable and many are on privately owned inholdings;
  
  
• Remember that motorized vehicles and mountain bikes are prohibited in designated Wilderness areas, such as the Weminuche, Lizard Head, and South San Juan Wildernesses;
  
  
• Keep pets under control.

San Juan Public Lands Center
San Juan National Forest
San Juan Resource Area-Bureau of Land Management
15 Burnett Court
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 247-4874
Fax: (970) 385-1243

Rio Grande National Forest
1803 W. Highway 160
Monte Vista, CO 81144
(970) 852-5941
Fax: (970) 852-6250

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre & Gunnison National Forests
2250 Highway 50
Delta, CO 81416
(970) 874-6600
Fax: (970) 874-6698

Montrose Public Lands Center
Uncompahgre Field Office
Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area
2465 S. Townsend Avenue
Montrose, CO 81401
(970) 240-5300

Click here to view a regional map
of public lands in the Southwest Colorado Travel Region