Snowmobile trail reroute in place near Brush Creek Visitor Center

Snowmobilers should be aware that over-the-snow logging will be taking place along Forest Road 100 this season on private land within the Medicine Bow National Forest. A two and a half mile stretch of the road, which runs through both National Forest and private land, will be closed to all public traffic until the snow no longer needs to be plowed next spring.

The road is a groomed snowmobile trail (N) during the winter so a reroute has been created. Snowmobile trails ‘H’ and ‘L’ should be used to access the upper portion of the ‘N’ trail.  No public motor vehicle access will be permitted on the closed road, including over-the-snow vehicles, unless authorized by the U.S. Forest Service.

Signs and maps have been posted in multiple locations by the Brush Creek/Hayden (BCH) Ranger District and the logging contractor will install a gate at the junction of Forest Roads 100 and 200.  A section of snow fence will be placed at the junction of snowmobile trails ‘L’ and ‘N’.

The series of affected trails access the northwest side of the Snowy Range and the ‘N’ trail originates off Wyoming Highway 130, just west of the Brush Creek Visitor Center.

The Forest Service approved the logging contractor’s request for a road-use permit after consultation with Wyoming State Trails representatives.  State Trails is responsible for the grooming of the snowmobile trail system in the Snowy Range.

The logging contractor’s permit gives permission to plow snow so that logging operations and the subsequent hauling can continue through the winter months.

Temporary road closures such as this are a short-term inconvenience needed to provide safe and consistent public access in the long-term. Visitors need to be aware of ongoing changes that may affect their travel and recreation.

BCH Ranger District visitors are encouraged to check the latest status of roads and trails by calling (307) 326-5258 or stopping by the District Office at 2171 South Highway 130 in Saratoga between 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  Information may also be found on this website, http://fs.usda.gov/mbr, or you can follow the MBRTB on Twitter, @MBRNFsTBNG.