MORRISON, Colo. - The Pike National Forest’s South Platte Ranger District is extending their seasonal winter closure of the Rampart Range Motorized Recreation Area, beginning on the northend of the Rampart Range Road near the Indian Creek campgound southwest of Sedalia, until mid or late April. The seasonal closure usually runs from December 1 through April 1. The extended closure applies to all wheeled vehicles and does not apply to snowmobiles. The area remains open to non-motorized recreational activities. The closure does not impact recreation sites on the southern portion of the Rampart Range Road in and around the Colorado Springs area of the Pikes Peak Ranger District.

The extended seasonal closure is necessary to stop wheeled vehicles from operating in muddy conditions following heavy snowmelt, which could damage roads and trails, increase erosion and damage fragile vegetation.

In addition to concerns for environmental damage, heavy snows have resulted in safety hazards from trees and branches falling across roads and trails. These hazards will need to be cleared before the area reopens. The Forest Service will continue to assess weather impacts on the recreation area in an effort to reopen it to motorized use as soon as practicable.

Forest Service crews are in the process of constructing and posting additional signs in the area to ensure recreationists are aware of the restrictions. Forest personnel will patrol the area to ensure enforcement.