Though I agree that we are ultimately responsible for ourselves
the OP wanted to address the reliability of LOCALS.

I had a very similar experience after receiving local advice;
I turned around and made it back to town, with considerable
trouble. A real Adventure.

Never trust locals as to short-cuts, unless they are in some
position of authority and knowledge.

Even then, be suspicious and verify, if possible.

People from the Eastern USA, do not realize that roads in
the West can be closed officially or just ignored.

In the West:

In winter, even some state highways may, or may not, get
plowed for a while, and some might even close for long
periods or close for the whole winter.
[This is based on first hand knowledge of a few decades ago,
and I assume it still to be true. Please comment on this
if you guys have pro or con verification.]

County roads are real "ify". If near to a Large town, they
will probably be plowed, but out in nowhere, forget it.

Stay on main roads for safety. Also consider, that the short
cut is probably harder on your car than taking the long way,
on a main highway.