Agencies Warn of Deep Snowpack, Wildlife on Colorado Peaks and Trails

A lot of folks are itching to start hiking trails and climbing peaks in Colorado, however, the US Forest Service and various rescue and trails groups are warning about a few problems with trails.

First and foremost is that the huge winter snowfall that is clogging trails and, in many cases, hiding them altogether.

That often causes hikers to get lost.

Lake County Search and Rescue (SAR) recently put out the warning below. Lake County is home to the tallest peaks in Colorado—Mount Elbert and Mount Massive—as well as many other trails.

Please note the takeaways, as well as that last point about the trenches.

Additionally, the Forest Service recently put out a warning about muddy and snowpacked trails and the damage that can be caused by using them.

“Conditions vary, and not every road opening for the summer season on May 21 will be dry or passable,” said White River National Forest Recreation Program Manager Sam Massman. “We’re asking visitors to please be patient and avoid using muddy roads and trails until they have time to dry out and harden to minimize damage.”

And, Recently, the Forest also warned about hikers disturbing elk calving .

“Elk return to these areas every year because they offer the water, forage and seclusion they need to survive, birth, and nurse without being startled or disrupted,” said Natahsa Goedert, wildlife and fish program manager. “Repeated disturbance to elk from people and dogs during calving season in these critical areas has led to lowered calf survival rates. Science shows even one person per day can disrupt the seclusion needed for these life functions.”

On top of all that, a variety of local trails advocacy groups are also warning about closures. This one is from the Vail Valley Mountain Alliance .

The Hiking Project website offers access to many Colorado-based outdoors groups.

Here are some Forest websites:

• White River National Forest

• Pike-San Isabel National Forest

• Arapaho National Forest

• Grand Mesa, Uncompaghre, and Gunnison National Forest

• San Juan National Forest

• Rio Grande National Forest

Don't know which National Forest you're looking at recreating in? Go here .

See you out there!