DENVER (KDVR) — Thousands of people could be descending on a remote part of San Miguel County, the sheriff’s office warned Wednesday, and they could remain in the area for up to a month.
It’s all connected to the “Rainbow Family of Living Light,” a nebulous group of people known for large, informal gatherings on public lands where they promote peace, love, community and alternative lifestyles.
The group was first formed in 1970 after its founders were inspired by the first Woodstock Festival, and held its first gathering at Strawberry Lake in the Arapaho National Forest, near Granby, in 1972.
In 2022, the group assembled in the Routt National Forest for its 50th anniversary event. The gathering drew thousands of people to the remote area, and also drew hundreds of citations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“The last time they were in San Miguel County, dispatchers received a marked increase of calls reporting alleged criminal activity and trespassing, including camping on private property,” the San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office said. “One member was arrested for vehicle theft. Residents should be aware of increased activity in the area and exercise vigilance.”
The sheriff’s office said it is particularly concerned about wildland fire risks, as the area is experiencing dry conditions and active fire restrictions; environmental and infrastructure strain, due to the potential unregulated camping, trash accumulation and strain on emergency responders; and trespassing and general public safety.
The sheriff’s office says that initial reports indicate the gathering will take place off Forest Service Road 615, south of Highway 145. The area is about an hour west of Telluride and is part of the Uncompahgre National Forest.
The U.S. Forest Service also confirmed that the group was meeting in San Miguel County in the Norwood Ranger District.
“District staff have met with camp managers to discuss emergency access, fire restrictions, and environmental impacts,” a public affairs officer told FOX31. “Law enforcement and fire personnel are conducting daily patrols to ensure safety and compliance. The forest is under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. No Incident Management Team is assigned at this time, but the Forest Service is coordinating with local partners and monitoring conditions closely.”
In July, the group gathered in Mark Twain National Forest, which is in Missouri, prompting the Forest Service to mobilize a National Incident Management Team. The Forest Service said that the peak of the gathering had 1,471 participants.
Gatherings of over 75 people on Forest Service land require permits. The Forest Service says the group consistently refuses to comply with the permit process during national gatherings, claiming to have no leader and saying that no single member can speak for the group and sign a permit on behalf of the group.
