Medicine Bow - Routt National Forests
Thunder Basin National Grassland

USDA Forest Service
Medicine Bow-Routt
National Forests,
Thunder Basin
National Grassland
2468 Jackson Street
Laramie, WY 82070
307-745-2300

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
307-745-2307

News Release

USDA Forest Service
Rocky Mountain Region
Medicine Bow & Routt National Forests,
Thunder Basin National Grassland

Contact: Diann Ritschard, 970-870-2187

 

Don’t forget your Backcountry Permits for winter recreation in Buffalo Pass area

(Steamboat Springs, Col. December 1, 2008) – Winter recreationists are reminded that permits are required to use the Buffalo Pass Backcounty Permit Area, beginning December 15. The area is northeast of Steamboat Springs on Buffalo Pass. The permit requirements apply to all people, 16 and older, using the 7,300-acre Buffalo Pass Backcountry Permit area. The permits do not apply to any other area on the 1.1 million-acre Routt National Forest. Maps showing the permit area can be downloaded from HERE.

The free daily permits are available at Dry Lake and Grizzly Creek winter trailheads. The Dry Lake parking lot fills up quickly, so leave early to get a parking spot. Parking is not allowed along the county road and citations will be issued for parking there. Daily and annual permits are available at Forest Service Offices in Steamboat Springs, Walden and Kremmling. The free annual permits are available during regular business hours at the Forest Service offices.

Within the combined commercial/mixed use area, all over-the-snow motorized vehicles must stay on designated routes. There are signs identifying the designated routes.

Recreationists are also reminded that overnight parking/camping is not allowed in the pull-out areas on Rabbit Ears Pass, nor at the Columbine trailhead at the base of Muddy Pass on Highway 40. It is allowed at Muddy Creek trailhead on top of Rabbit Ears Pass.

The permit requirements are a result of the Winter Recreation Management Plan Decision for the Rabbit Ears Pass and Buffalo Pass areas. Motorized and non-motorized uses are separated in these areas with the boundaries enforceable by law. Maps at the trailheads show the boundaries, and they are signed on the ground.

Failure to abide by the winter recreation regulations can result in fines of up to $5,000 and/or six months in jail.

In addition, the following safety and etiquette recommendations should be observed.

• Snowcats have the right-of-way; snowmobiles should move to the side of the trail and pass the snowcat slowly.
• There are many blind corners -- travel slowly and be aware of other trail users.
• There is no avalanche control. It is your responsibility to know snow and weather conditions and your own ability.
• Conditions can change rapidly in the backcountry. Be prepared for extreme conditions.
• Carry the proper gear and be prepared for self rescue.
• Skiers and boarders – conserve powder. Keep your tracks tight.
• Please respect all users.

For more information about winter recreation, please visit the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District at 925 Weiss Drive in Steamboat Springs, call 870-2299, or visit www.fs.fed.us/r2/mbr

-End-

Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests Thunder Basin National Grassland

2468 Jackson Street, Wyoming 82070-6535

www.fs.fed.us/r2/mbr