The San Juan National Forest Dolores Ranger District reports that sections of the popular Calico Trail, located six miles northwest of Rico, have been heavily damaged from use during very wet conditions, leaving some parts of the trail virtually impassable.

The area has received rainfall exceeding 200 percent of normal. Continued use of the trail in these wet conditions has resulted in heavy damage to wetlands, where travelers have tried to avoid the mud by pioneering new routes through previously undisturbed areas of vegetation.

The Forest Service is becoming increasingly concerned about the mounting costs that will be required to repair the damaged trail and surrounding areas. Horseback riders, mountain bikers and motorcyclists are asked to avoid the section of trail between the north trailhead on Forest Road 471 and the base of Elliot Peak, 1.5 miles south of the intersection with the East Fall Creek Trail. Recommended detours to avoid the damaged area include using the East or West Fall Creek trails.

For more information contact Tom Rice at 970 882 7296.