By Shannon Lukens.
You can’t cross the bridge at Fish Creek Falls Road until at least July 1. It is blocked off with a sign with details on a multi-year order through 2027, from the U.S. Forest Service. No one is allowed to walk on it or cross it right now, through July 1.
Aaron Voos with the U.S. Forest Service says it is because of continued issues with stability of the bridge for the last two seasons. There are sandbags there from last year to stabilize it, but they haven’t been able to do a permanent fix yet.
“As of July 1, we’ll take a look at it to see if we need to limit the number of people on there. There will be continual evaluations in place. The main point here is that until July 1, no traffic on the bridge. After that, we anticipate it being open but there may be some limitations in place.”
The bridge was also closed through part of July 2023 because of the strong water flows from the heavy snowpack last year.
Fines for crossing the closed bridge could be as high as $5,000 for individuals or $10,000 for groups. Voos says it isn’t about the fines. It’s about safety.
“We hope that the public will respect that closure. It’s a safety thing. The largest concern is that the bridge might fail if someone is on it. That would be worst case scenario.”
The seasonal closures of April 1 through July 1 will be in place through 2027 until a permanent fix is in place. Last year, Voos told Steamboat Radio News it could cost $1 million to fix because of the location, the type of structure, and the type of work that needs to be done.
More on the story from July 27, 2023 —FISH CREEK FALLS BRIDGE OPEN WITH CAPACITY LIMITS
Press Release from U.S. Forest Service; May 29, 2024.
Bridge to Fish Creek Falls and trail beyond temporarily closed
The popular recreation site remains open to the public.
(STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo.) May 29, 2024 – Due to lingering structural integrity concerns with the footbridge to Fish Creek Falls, the Routt National Forest has temporarily closed the bridge and an approximately four-mile section of Fish Creek Trail (Forest Trail 1102).
The closure is in place April 1 – July 1 during high water flows and can be employed each year through 2027 dependent on repair schedule. A temporary fix has been put in place by the USDA Forest Service, but that fix is only sufficient for public safety during lower creek flows and with limited bridge occupancy (weight limit).
Fish Creek Falls picnic site and upper overlook trail remain open to view the falls, or the public can walk down Fish Creek Trail to the bridge, but not past that point.
Bridge abutments have been structurally compromised due to high flow levels over the years, resulting in a brief closure in 2023 and now the more consistent seasonal closure to address safety concerns and facilitate repairs.
Timing, cost, and the exact nature of the repairs to the bridge are currently in development by Forest engineers.
On-the-ground signage will inform visitors at the recreation site, as well as on the east end of the trail closure near its’ junction with Mountain View Trail (Forest Trail 1032) at Long Lake.
A Forest Order has been put in place for law enforcement to administer the closure. Citations will be issued for violations and penalties could be as steep as $5,000 fines or jail time.
Information on the Routt National Forest can be found on our website or on the Forests’ X and Facebook accounts. The Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District office can be reached at (970) 870-2299.
-USDA-