Trout relocation project underway in Hermosa Creek, Colorado as National Forest crews start culvert project

Cutthroat trout within a stretch of Hermosa Creek in southwestern Colorado are being relocated by biologists with the San Juan National Forest in order for construction to commence on the Mainstem Hermosa Creek Culvert Installation Project, San Juan NF announced in a social media post Saturday, July 25.

The national forest said the new culvert crossing in will create temporary sedimentation, requiring forest service crews to move approximately 250 fish to a nearby suitable habitat.

“These fish will repopulate the new habitat that will be created during culvert installation,” the national forest said.

Members from Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Trout Unlimited helped in the removal of the trout.

Details regarding the project

The national forest began construction on the culvert Monday, July 20 to improve aquatic habitat and enhance public safety along National Forest System Road 578 (Hermosa Park Road).

A roadside closure is currently in effect near the project site as site preparation and contractor access begins.

Beginning Sept. 8, 2026, a temporary road closure will go into effect for Hermosa Park Road just beyond the intersection of Hermosa Park Road and Hermosa Creek Trailhead.

• Roadside Closure Dates: July 20, 2026 – June 30, 2027
• Project Closure Dates: Sept. 8 – Oct. 13, 2026
• Location: NFSR 578 will be closed just beyond the intersection of Hermosa Park Road and Hermosa Creek Trailhead.
• Access: From the Purgatory/Hwy 550 side, visitors will have full access to the Hermosa Creek Trailhead, parking, camping, and restrooms. Trailer turnaround will remain available at the trailhead. From the Dolores direction, the closure will begin at the intersection of Hotel Draw Road and Hermosa Park Road.
• The closure will apply to vehicles, bicycles, foot traffic, and equestrian use for public safety. The Blackhawk Pass/Colorado Trail loop will not be accessible during this period. Fishing and hiking access will remain open outside the closure area.

Cutthroat trout and Hermosa Creek

Hermosa Creek is home to native Colorado River cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, cutbows, and brook trout.

According to Trout Unlimited, Hermosa Creek is one of Colorado’s finest high-country trout streams.

Trout Unlimited said its Durango-based TU has been working in partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife over the last three decades reintroducing native Colorado River cutthroat trout to the upper part of the watershed.

“Now completed, the program has reinstituted over 26 miles of cutthroat-only trout water for the discerning fly angler,” Trout Unlimited said of the work completed.

For additional details regarding the project, the national forest asks people to visit the Hermosa Creek Watershed webpage here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/…/natur…/hermosa-creek-watershed.