Forum Discussion

BB_TX's avatar
BB_TX
Nomad
Jun 12, 2013

Colorado Fires

Just trying to do some advance planning for trip to southern Colorado beginning this weekend. Specifically concerned about the fire west of La Veta.
First, is there a number that you can call to get up-to-date info on the fire(s) and effect on the highways?
We will be staying in Raton one night then heading on to South Fork, CO. Normally we go up I-25 to Walsenburg, then west on US 160 over La Veta Pass toward South Fork. Concerned that the fire may inpact US 160 traffic in the La Veta area. And if that were closed, it would be a LONG way around. Especially since the even larger Canon City area fire may be even more of a problem.
Alternately we could go west from Raton on US 64 to US 285 to Alamosa. Or US 64 to Eagle Nest, NM 38 to NM 522 and north toward Ft Garland. Both more scenic but slower. And for this part of the trip i am more interested in shorter time.
What say ye?
Roads and Routes
  • jrp's avatar
    jrp
    Explorer
    Jun 20, 2013
    Since the West Fork fire has now crossed over the continental divide into the forest east of Wolf Creek Pass, several NFS campgrounds have been closed, US160 highway over Wolf Creek Pass is closed in both directions near the pass, and pre-evacuation warnings were issued to residences & business near the east base of the pass. That includes the large RV Parks at Fun Valley & River Bend.
  • jrp's avatar
    jrp
    Explorer
    Jun 19, 2013
    The West Fork Fire has doubled in size, now over 4000 acres, and gradually climbing up the pass from the west. This afternoons view from my South Fork yard is a bit concerning.

  • jrp's avatar
    jrp
    Explorer
    Jun 16, 2013
    BB, just to update you

    we have a new wildfire burning north of Pagosa Springs (west fork fire). since its in the wilderness area they just let it burn. its already over 2000 acres and growing. no impact on 160 traffic, but its filling both the Pagosa and the South Fork sides of Wolf Creek with smoke.
  • Martyn's avatar
    Martyn
    Nomad
    Jun 14, 2013
    The Klikus fire near La Veta is now 100% contained (42 acres) and is no problem. The Royal Gorge fire is 40% contained at the time of this post and evacuation orders for residents have now been lifted. You should be fine, especially as you are not going as far north as Colorado Springs where the Black Forest fire is.

    Have a safe and enjoyable trip. :)
  • Thunder_Mountai's avatar
    Thunder_Mountai
    Explorer II
    Jun 13, 2013
    www.cotrip.org (Colorado Department of Transportation) Provides information for all major roads in Colorado.
  • Tiger4x4RV's avatar
    Tiger4x4RV
    Nomad
    Jun 12, 2013
    Inciweb fire incident info for Colorado

    The big ones get on this "incident" page.

    Before fires get to that status, you can often find info by googling. Example: La Veta fire news

    Keep your plans very flexible. I was traveling in that area during last year's fires. I spent one night on "pre-evac" status, which requires that you leave within 20 minutes from notification. Quite a few of the RV parks and campgrounds were full of evacuees.

    Stay safe.
  • rockhillmanor's avatar
    rockhillmanor
    Explorer
    Jun 12, 2013
    Black Forest CO fires, 7,000 evacuated, 80 homes lost.
    Sad real sad for those folks.
  • jrp's avatar
    jrp
    Explorer
    Jun 12, 2013
    The La Veta fire is currently 40% contained and not effecting traffic on hiway 160. The fire is several miles south of 160. As always its direction is at the mercy of the winds, and conditions can change at any time. The Pueblo news and TV stations are one source of updates. If it gets to the point of effecting traffic, then Colorado DOT web site will list the road conditions. http://www.coloradodot.info/
    Like Hiway 50 currently closed in both directions at the Royal Gorge fire

About Bucket List Trips

13,487 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 18, 2025