If you’ve been eager for May 1st because that’s the day that road gates are opened on the
Vernal Ranger District, you may want to listen up before heading for the forest. While
this allows access to locations within lower elevations and areas clear of snow, remember
that many roads are still impassable and all travelers are urged to use caution when
encountering snow drifts or wet and muddy conditions. The Vernal Ranger District warns
that getting stuck or stranded is a real danger and causes extensive damage to road
surfaces. Red Cloud Loop and Forest routes off Highway 191 have open gates but road
conditions vary with snowdrifts and wet conditions making many areas impassable. Dry
Fork Canyon is open but the road becomes impassable about 3 miles north of the Flume
Trail parking area. Taylor Mountain Road and gate are temporarily closed for
improvements. Uintah County is prepping and treating the road with magnesium chloride
to improve it for the coming season. The treatment is anticipated to be complete and the
road ready to open on Friday, May 10th. Whiterocks Canyon road and campground are
open.
