Effective Friday, July 17, 2026 at 12:01 AM, a new closure order (#04-10-26-05-03) is in effect for the Monticello Ranger District of the Manti-La Sal National Forest. This closure covers nearly all Forest Service lands on the Monticello Ranger District in San Juan County, Utah. The only area that is now open on the district is the section southeast of—and including—Blue Mountain Ranch Road (FS50082) and Recapture Road (FS50084). This open area includes all roads, trails, and lands (including Devil’s Campground).All other lands on the Monticello Ranger District remain temporarily closed for public safety due to the Babylon wildfire.The closure is in effect through August 31, 2026 at 12:01 AM, unless conditions allow for an earlier reopening.
Alert Start Date: July 17, 2026
Alert End Date:
August 31, 2026
Rec Sites Affected:
Devils Canyon Campground
Monticello Ranger District and Office
Order Number: 04-10-26-05-03
Contact Information
Contact Name:
Monticello Ranger District
Contact Number:
435-636-3340
Associated Documents
Monticello RD Closure 04-10-26-05-03
Monticello RD Closure MAP 04-10-26-05-03
Forest Order
U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service Manti-La Sal National ForestMonticello Ranger District
Monticello Ranger District Closure OrderPROHIBITIONSPursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a) and (b), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands, roads, and trails in the Monticello Ranger District, Manti-La Sal National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Described Area, Roads, and Trails”):Entering or being in an area. 36 CFR § 261.52(e)Being on the Road 36 CFR § 261.54(e)Being on a Trail. 36 CFR § 261.55(a)EXEMPTIONSPursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.Those with Special Use and Range Permits who have coordinated entry with the incident staff and have a written letter signed by the appropriate Line Officer (this includes letters issued for the Babylon Fire Closure Order 04-10-26-05-01)DESCRIBED AREA/ROADS/TRAILSThe Described Area for closure includes the entirety of Forest Service lands on the Monticello Ranger District on the Manti-La Sal National Forest within San Juan County, Utah except for Forest Service lands, roads, and trails Southeast of, and including FS50082 (Blue Mountain Ranch) and FS50084 (Recapture). Forest lands within the Monticello Ranger District that are now open are subject to Stage 2 Fire Restrictions per Forest Order # 04-10-26-00-04.PURPOSEThe purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety during active wildfire and burning operations, and to prevent human caused ignitions.IMPLEMENTATIONThis Order shall be in effect from July 17, 2026, at 0001 through August 31,
2026, at 0001, unless rescinded.A map identifying the Described Area, Roads, and Trails is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/manti-lasal/alertsUnless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.Contact the Monticello Ranger District in Monticello, Utah, 435-636-3340, or the Manti-La Sal National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Price, Utah, (435) 636-3561, for more information about this Order.This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in the Described Area.
Signed and issued on 7/17/2026.Barbara Van Alstine
Forest Supervisor
Manti-La Sal National Forest
