Warren Peak Highway closed for winter

Warren Peak Highway is closed effective immediately. The decision has been made due to public safety concerns.

“With the early snowfall the Bearlodge has had this year, including this last storm, these roads are currently impassable,” said Mike Gosse, Bearlodge District Ranger. “There have been numerous vehicles that have gotten stuck.”

Officials say many roads across the Forest are ice-covered from melting snow during the day and freezing temperatures at night. The public should be prepared for winter driving conditions on all of the Forest Service roads and be willing to turn around if needed.

December 15, 2019 marks the beginning of winter recreation on the Black Hills National Forest as Forest officials open snowmobile, cross-country ski and snowshoe trails in the Black Hills area and close seasonal gates and recreation sites that do not remain open through the winter.

Gates are closed to provide a seasonal refuge for wildlife, protect road surfaces and other resources, and provide for public safety as some of the roads are converted into part of the snowmobile trail.

Seasonal closures also occur at many of the recreation sites including some campgrounds and picnic areas.

As a safety reminder, use extreme caution when driving on forest system roads as the road ahead may become impassable or hazardous due to ice and snow cover. National Forest System roads are not plowed or maintained during the winter.

Seasonal recreation sites and roads typically reopen mid-May, weather depending.