Alta Lakes Road – News Updates
Update 8/20/25:
Alta Lakes Road is now open to the public. The camping area is open for day use only. Camping is not currently allowed, but will resume shortly. Check back for details.
Please read the below press release from the GMUG National Forest’s Norwood Ranger District regarding the temporary closure of the Alta Lakes Road.
Safety Announcement – Alta Lakes Road Closure
Deteriorating road conditions prompt closure, repair and improvement
TELLURIDE, Colo. (June 12, 2025) — The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Norwood Ranger District announce temporary closure of Alta Lakes Road, National Forest System Road 632, due to deteriorating road conditions beginning June 13.
The road closure will be in effect until GMUG and San Miguel County staff can widen and stabilize the roadbed in the coming weeks.
The gate will remain open at the base of Alta Lakes Road to provide access to parking for the Magic Meadows Trail (NFST #515) until the road closure is lifted. A barricade will mark the start of the road closure, indicating that vehicles are no longer permitted beyond that point.
For more information on GMUG closures and road conditions, please visit our website or contact the Norwood District Ranger officer at 970-327-4261.
- Lizard Head Pass – Off Hwy 145 across from interpretive area
- Priest Lake Campground – Tucked back off the road section of the Galloping Goose near Trout Lake
- Cayton Campground – Located on Dolores District, other side of Lizard Head Pass on the way to Rico
- Hope Lake Rd. – Limited spots, public can only camp in the designated sites
- Matterhorn and Sunshine Campgrounds – Probably already full for Bluegrass
- Last Dollar Road – Large area with several dispersed camping areas
- Silver Pick Road – Pretty far up the road, but several designated sites
- Woods Lake Campground
- Fall Creek Rd Recreation Area (BLM)
- Caddis Flats Campground (BLM)
We know Bluegrass weekend is a busy time for camping in the Telluride region! Please see the below infographic on how to camp safe and burn smart.
