Gold Mountain and Elk Fire: New Command, Closures and Hunting

Western Colorado’s 2026 Bingo Card must include a square that says, “non-stop wildfires.” This year, we’ve had fires burning from February to August, affecting where people can go, and many are still burning.

As of August 25^th, the Gold Mountain Fire has burned over 39,000 acres, while the Elk Fire has burned more than 7,000 acres, according to the latest federal update from Inciweb. Closures are impacting travel, recreation, and the hunting season.

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Gold Mountain & Elk Fires are Still Burning in Pockets of the Backcountry

Gold Mountain and Elk Fire: New Command, Closures and Hunting Rules

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On the Gold Mountain Fire (reported June 27), crews are still addressing hotspots around the East and Middle Forks of the Cimarron, while Monday afternoon rain, hail, and lightning triggered a minor debris flow near the Vista Point Trailhead on Owl Creek Pass Road. Crawford Incident Management Team Type 3 is now in command.

On the Elk Fire (reported July 9), firefighters are in High Bridge Gulch putting out remaining heat, while smoke continues to rise from the deep interior of Independence Gulch. Heavy fuels are still smoldering and creeping, meaning smoke can remain visible even though overall fire behavior is minimal. Wyoming Type 3 Team 2 is now commanding.

Several Popular High-Country Destinations are Still Closed

Around Gold Mountain, according to SECO News, closures include Big Cimarron Campground, Beaver Lake, Silver Jack Reservoir and Boat Ramp, Jackson Guard Station, and Owl Pass Road. Around the Elk Fire, access remains closed at Nellie Creek, Matterhorn Trailheads, and Alpine Road, which means accessing areas such as Uncompahgre Peak is in the closure zone (COTREX). These restrictions can change as fire operations continue.

Check Access for GMUs 65 and 66 First

Gold Mountain and Elk Fire: New Command, Closures and Hunting Rules

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If you had hunting plans in Colorado’s Game Management Units 65 or 66, fire officials are referring questions to local offices. Hunters should check the Forest Service and BLM closure maps before entering the field.

• All questions about GMU 65 should go to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Montrose office at 970-252-6000. See the current Forest Service Closure Map for Gold Mountain Fire here.
• All questions about GMU 66 should go to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Gunnison office at 970-641-7060. See the current Forest Service Closure Map for Elk Fire here.