Pikes Peak Region Trail Finder

A sign in front of the parking lot for the Mad Creek trailhead informs users the trail has been closed temporarily to help protect wildlife in the Yampa Valley. John F. Russell, Steamboat Today

By Jack Weinstein, Steamboat Today

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS — Voluntary trail closures are becoming less effective at protecting big game herds during winter months, local U.S. Forest Service workers say. Increased mandatory trail closures could be the end result.

Forest Service officials are urging people to stay away from the areas served by voluntary trail closures or areas designated as winter range areas for big game like elk and deer.

The Forest Service released a list of trails around Steamboat Springs that it asked people to avoid and a trail Spring Creek - that is under mandatory closure. Mandatory closures are those that the Forest Service can legally enforce.

Forest Service spokesman Larry Sandoval said if the voluntary closures weren’t enough to protect elk and deer habit, more mandatory closures may be required.

“Alerting the public that this is an issue and telling them there are better areas to recreate is the best-case scenario,” he said.

Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife Officer Danielle Domson said big game habitat is shrinking because the south-facing slopes that are less steep and receive less snow are ideal for both development and recreation.

“We’re just giving the elk fewer and fewer areas to stay on their winter range areas without added human encroachment,” she said.

Read about the closures and see a list of trails that are off-limits right now at steamboattoday.com.