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Forest Regulations and Forest Orders

As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest and the natural environment, to ensure the health and safety of visitors, and to promote pleasant and rewarding outdoor recreation experiences for all visitors.

Forest Orders

Click Here for the Current Forest Orders in Effect

Forest Officers are empowered to enforce the Federal Regulations which the rules listed here are taken from. Please take time to read and understand them.

The Forest Supervisor may issue Special Orders/Closures that will close or restrict the use of certain areas if the need arises. Such orders will be posted so that visitors to the National Forest can reasonably be expected to be familiar with them. Copies of the orders will also be available in the offices of Forest Supervisors and District Rangers.

Please remember to be careful! You are primarily responsible for your own safety. Look out for natural hazards and dangers when you are in the Forest. If you hike off trails or swim or dive in rivers or lakes, you do so at YOUR OWN RISK.

Camping

• Use picnic sites, swimming beaches, and other day use areas only between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
• Campgrounds and other recreation sites can he used only for recreation purposes.
• In campgrounds, camp only in those places specifically marked or provided.
• At least one person must occupy a camping area during the first night after camping equipment has been set up, unless permission has otherwise been granted by the Forest Service.
• Do not leave camping equipment unattended for more than 24 hours without permission from the Forest Service.
• The Federal Government is not responsible for any loss or damage to personal property.
• Remove all personal property and trash when leaving.

Campfires

• Obey restrictions on fires.
• Open fires may he limited or prohibited at certain times.
• Within campgrounds and other recreation sites, build fires only in fire rings, stoves, grills, or fireplaces provided for that purpose.
• Be sure your fire is completely extinguished before leaving.
• YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR KEEPING FIRES UNDER CONTROL.

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Property

• Do not carve, chop, cut, or damage any live trees. Preserve and protect Eldorado National Forests. Leave natural areas the way you find them.
• Enter buildings, structures or enclosed areas in National Forests only when they are expressly opened to the public.
• Native American, old cabins, and other structures along with objects and artifacts associated with them, have historic or archeological value. Do not damage or remove any such historic or archeological resource.

Sanitation

• Throw all garage and litter in containers provided for this purpose, or take it with you.
• Garbage containers, when provided, are reserved for the use of visitors to the National Forest, not visitors to or owners of private lands or lands under permit.
• Wash food and personal items away from drinking water supplies.
• Use water faucets only for drawing water.
• Prevent pollution - keep garbage, litter, and foreign substances out of lakes streams, and other water.
• Use toilets properly Do not throw garbage, litter, fish cleanings, or other foreign substances in toilets and plumbing fixtures.

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Operation of Vehicles

• Obey all traffic signs.
• State traffic laws apply to the National Forests unless otherwise specified.
• When operating vehicles of any kind, do not damage the land or vegetation or disturb wildlife. Avoid driving on unpaved roads or trails when they are wet or muddy.
• Within campgrounds and other recreation sites, use cars, motorbikes, motorcycles, or other motor vehicles only for entering or leaving, unless areas or trails are specifically marked for them.
• Park only in marked parking areas.
• Do not block, restrict, or interfere with the use of roads or trails.
• Obey area and trail restrictions on the use of trail bikes and other off-the-road vehicles.

Pets and Animals

• Pets must always be restrained or on a leash while in developed recreation sites.
• Pets (except guide dogs) are not allowed in swimming areas.
• Saddle or pack animals are allowed in recreation sites only where authorized by posted instructions.

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Fireworks and Firearms

• Fireworks and explosives are prohibited in the National Forests.
• Firing a gun is not allowed: in or within 150 yards of a residence, building; campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area. across or on a road or body of water; in any circumstance whereby any person may be injured or property damaged.

National Forest Wilderness

• Motor vehicles and motorized equipment are not allowed in wilderness areas.
• Preserve the wilderness - "Leave only footprints, take only pictures."
• Using a trail, campsite, or other area of the wilderness area by a group of more than 25 members is prohibited except by special-use authorization.

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Fee Areas

• You must pay a fee to use certain developed sites and facilities. Such areas are clearly signed or posted as requiring a fee.
• Where fees are required, you must pay them before using the site, facility, equipment, or service furnished.

Public Behavior

• No fighting or boisterous behavior.
• Keep noise at a reasonable level.
• Please be considerate of fellow visitors.
• Business Activities Permits are required for any commercial activity.

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Audio Devices

• Operate any audio device, such as a radio or musical instrument, so that it does not disturb other visitors.
• A permit is required for operating a public address system in or near a campsite, developed recreation site, or over a body of water.

Last But Not Least...

Our final rule: enjoy your visit! Plan to come back!