If you’re itching to get out on the Forest, the time for most of the roads has not yet arrived. Ashley National Forest announced that although snow is clearing on lower elevations and southern facing slopes, most roads on the Ashley National Forest remain closed due to snow and wet conditions. “Premature use of the roads also causes considerable damage to the road surface and costly repairs,” shares the announcement. “Forest roads on the Vernal Ranger District and areas south and west of Highway 44 on the Flaming Gorge Ranger District open May 1st each year unless otherwise designated.” Wet and snowy conditions still exist. Taylor Mountain Road is an example of this with snow drifts blocking the road just below Shelmadine Springs. Dry Fork Canyon is also still blocked from snow. The same caution applies to most routes on the Duchesne and Roosevelt Districts. Forest roads on the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area are mostly open in lower elevations near the reservoir. Roads in higher elevations may not be passable until further snow melt occurs.
