Before setting out, work through the checks that match your plans: forest alerts, fishing paperwork, driving requirements and wilderness camping rules. Start with access, then prepare the documents and equipment for the activities you have chosen. Leave time to make those checks before departure.
Check current forest alerts
The Forest Service alerts page lists active closures, rules, regulations and restrictions for the Pike-San Isabel National Forests and the Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. Use its Filter & Sort function to view alerts by type or start date. Special orders applying across the Rocky Mountain Region appear in the Region Alerts dropdown.
Check the alerts before settling on a forest outing, and review the entries relevant to your intended activity. Make this the first planning task, ahead of choosing a route or deciding where to stop. If your plans change, repeat the check for the outing you now intend to make.
Fishing paperwork
Colorado Parks and Wildlife lists the annual license period for 2026 as March 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027. Annual licenses go on sale March 1 each year and cover 13 months, ending on March 31 of the following year. Check the dates on your paperwork against the days you plan to fish.
For a license that is being mailed, CPW allows a temporary authorization number (TAN) to be used until it arrives. The number is valid for 45 days after purchase. CPW asks anglers to print or write down the TAN and carry it while fishing. Put the number with the things you will take to the water before departure.
When a one-day or five-day license is purchased with selected fishing dates within 15 days of the transaction, CPW does not mail a physical license. Use the TAN listed in the email confirmation letter. CPW's fishing licenses and dates page explains these arrangements and identifies the online Fishing brochure as its most up-to-date version. Review it while preparing for fishing at the lake.
Mountain-road rules
CDOT can implement traction and chain laws on any state highway when weather or road conditions require. Highway signage and traffic or roadway-condition alerts notify motorists when a restriction is active. Check which requirement is in effect before driving and prepare the appropriate equipment before departure.
CDOT implements the passenger vehicle chain law during severe winter storms. CDOT describes it as the final safety measure before a highway is closed. When it is in effect, every vehicle must have chains or an approved alternative traction device. Consult CDOT's passenger vehicle traction and chain guidance when making the equipment check.
In its August 2026 road-rule guidance, CDOT says drivers must give bicyclists at least three feet of space when passing. Drivers may cross a double yellow line when necessary and safe to provide adequate clearance. If moving over is unsafe, drivers must slow down and safely stay behind the cyclist. Wait for a safe opportunity to pass with the required room, and allow time for that patience on the drive to San Isabel.
Greenhorn Wilderness camping
The Forest Service's Greenhorn Mountain Wilderness occupancy and use restrictions prohibit camping within 100 feet of any stream, except at sites specifically signed and authorized for camping. The same order prohibits building, maintaining or using a campfire within 100 feet of any stream.
The restrictions apply to the National Forest System lands described in the order within Greenhorn Mountain Wilderness and Spanish Peaks Wilderness on the San Carlos Ranger District. The order is effective from May 18, 2024, through May 18, 2027, unless rescinded. For an overnight Greenhorn outing, plan both the campsite and any campfire around the stream-distance rules before choosing where to settle.
Before leaving
Have the fishing license or applicable TAN ready to carry, check the active road requirements, and review the forest alerts for the outing you have chosen. For an overnight wilderness plan, include the stream setbacks in your choice of campsite and campfire location.