Alerts & Notices

Restrictions & Closures

Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations 261.50 (a) gives each Forest Supervisor the authority to issue orders which close or restrict use of the of described areas within the area over which he/she has jurisdiction. An order may close an area to entry or may restrict the use of an area by applying any or all of the prohibitions authorized in Title 36, Part 261, Subpart B, of the Code of Federal Regulations.

Closure Order Map

Alerts

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Current Closures
Date(s): Jul 19, 2022
There are numerous closures throughout the Forest at this time:
Upcoming
- Wheeler Peak and Williams Lake, including inbound trails
Fishing access
Date(s): Jul 1, 2022
Several lakes and streams used for fishing are currently very hard to reach or closed.
- Lost and Horsehoe lakes in the Lost Lake Loop area are not accessible due to hundreds of downed trees after the December 2021 windstorm. Middle Fork Lake is accessible via West Fork Road Trail 487.
- Most lakes, ponds, rivers and streams in the Camino Real Ranger District are currently closed.
Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires
Date(s): May 11, 2022

Contact(s): Fire Information Team

The Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires crossed into the Forest near Angostura, NM, burning over 16,000 acres. Closures are in effect. For more fire information, go to the InciWeb fire information webpage.
Regional Motor Vehicle Code
Date(s): May 31, 2019 - Jun 1, 2023
PROHIBITIONS:
- Operating any type of vehicle that does not comply with the Motor Vehicle Code for that state. 36 CFR 261.54 (a)
- Operating any type of vehicle in a manner inconsistent with the Motor Vehicle Code for that state. 36 CFR 261.54 (b)
- Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization. 36 CFR 261.54 (c)
- Operating a vehicle in violation of the Motor Vehicle Code for that state. 36 CFR 261.54 (d)
- Being on the road while operating any type of vehicle in violation of the Motor Vehicle Code for that state. 36 CFR 261.54 (e)
- Operating any type of vehicle carelessly, recklessly, or without regard for the rights or safety of other persons or in a manner or at a speed that would endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property. 36 CFR 261.54 (f)
See Order 03-00-00-19-002

Closures

Critical Camino Real Ranger District closed (near Taos, Angel Fire, Penasco, Chacon)
Date(s): Aug 2, 2022
A large portion of the Camino Real Ranger District remains temporarily closed due to the Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires and related suppression repair activites. With progress on suppression repair, more areas reopened at 8 a.m. on August 2, 2022.
Details
- Forest order and map (signed)
  - Note: La Junta Road (76) will reopen Wednesday, August 3, due to hazard tree removal
- High resolution map
- List of open trails and roads on the district
- Map of open trails in Taos Canyon
Background

Approximately 16,000 acres are within the fire perimeter and some areas outside it are at risk of fire-related dangerous debris flows and flash flooding. Other areas remain closed as fire crews perform suppression repair and remove wood from contingency lines.
Campground closures
Date(s): Aug 5, 2022
Closed
- Agua Piedra
- Amole
- Comales
- La Bobita
- La Sombra
Open
- Cabresto Lake
- Canjilon Lakes
- Capulin
- Cebolla Mesa
- Cimarron
- Columbine
- Cuchilla
- Cuchillo Del Medio
- Duran Canyon
- Echo
- Elephant Rock
- El Rito
- Fawn Lakes
- Goat Hill
- Hodges (no link)
- Hopewell Lake
- Junebug
- La Junta Canyon
- Las Petacas
- Lower Hondo
- McCrystal
- Rio de Los Pinos
- Santa Barbara
- Trampas (no link)
- Trampas Diamante (no link)
- Trout Lakes
- Twining
- Upper & Lower Lagunitas
- Upper La Junta Canyon
Middle Ponil Creek (Valle Vidal)
Date(s): Aug 5, 2022
A Forest Order will close the area around the Middle Ponil Creek drainage from 8 a.m. on Monday, August 8, through 5 p.m., Sunday, August 14.
- Map
- Forest Order (signed)
The closure area includes approximately 1,000 feet on both sides of Middle Ponil Creek between Ash Mountain and about eight miles to the south, where the creek intersects Middle Ponil Road (Forest Road 1910). One of the Shuree Ponds (the small one near the old lodge) will be included in the closure. The remaining ponds will be open.

Both Valle Vidal campgrounds, McCrystal and Cimarron, are open and will stay open during this work (campers should bring their own water due to separate water system projects). Other area streams will also be available for fishing.
Upcoming closure of Wheeler Peak/Williams Lake and surrounding area
Date(s): Aug 3, 2022
Wheeler Peak and inbound trails will close between Monday, August 22, through Friday, August 26, for traditional and cultural purposes.

The following trails will be closed
- Williams Lake (#62)
- Wheeler Summit (#67
- Wheeler Peak (#90) between La Cal Basin and Wheeler Peak
- Lost Lake (#91) between Horseshoe Lake and Wheeler Peak (note: The Lost Lake Trail is severely impacted by windfall)
The Williams Lake basin, including Kachina and Lake Fork peaks, and the ridgeline from east of Taos Cone to Simpson Peak will additionally be closed. A map and Forest Order will be available at a later date.

Alternative trails in the area that will be open include:
- Yerba (#61)
- Manzanita (#58)
- Italianos (#59)
- Gavilan (#60)
- Long Canyon (#63) via Wheeler Peak Trail (#90)
- Gold Hill (#64) to its namesake destination via Long Canyon (#63)
Midnight Fire burn area, north of El Rito, NM (Rio Arriba County)
Date(s): Jun 29, 2022
Contact(s): El Rito Ranger District

Portions of the Forest in and around the 2022 Midnight Fire burn area is closed due to the risk of flooding and debris flows.
- Map
- Forest Order
- Forest Road (FR) statuses:
  - Open: FR 123.
  - Partially closed: FR 44 is closed between the intersections of CR 248 and the intersection of FR 123.
  - Closed FRs 44B, 44F,44D2, 44T9, 123D,123T6, 123T7, 123T9, 123T21, 172A,172I, 172I1, 173T2 and FR 72 G1.
Restriction of Domestic Sheep or Goats
Date(s): May 26, 2021 - Dec 31, 2025

Prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any domestic sheep or goat.

The Restricted Areas are within the Congressionally designated boundaries of the Latir Peaks Wilderness Area, Columbine Hondo Wilderness Area, Pecos Wilderness Area, Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River Corridor, and Dome Wilderness, as depicted in Exhibit A of this Order.

The purpose of this Order is to protect bighorn sheep from diseases transmitted by domestic sheep and goats.

This Order will be effective on May 28, 2021, at 08:00 a.m., and will remain in effect until December 31, 2025, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.

View Order
View Exhibit A (Map)
View Assessment of Need
Occupancy and Use Restrictions Closure Order 02-489
Date(s): Feb 10, 2021 - Jan 31, 2025
The Carson National Forest implemented an Occupancy and Use Restrictions Closure Order 02-489 beginning February 10, 2021, for the entire Forest.

The purpose of this Order is to protect National Forest resources and to provide for public health and safety. The order prohibits possessing an alcoholic beverage, parking or leaving a vehicle in violation of posted instructions, being publicly nude, or camping for a period longer than allowed by the order.
- View the Closure Order
This Order will be effective on February 10, 2021, at 8:00 a.m. and shall remain in effect until January 31, 2025, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.
Wildlife Habitat Protection - Valle Vidal Unit Closure
Area(s): Cimarron Campground, McCrystal Campground, Valle Vidal Unit

Date(s): Jan 1, 2021 - Jul 1, 2025
The Carson National Forest is implementing two seasonal closure orders on the Valle Vidal Unit for the protection of elk and to ensure elk herd survival.

The Wildlife Habitat Protection Valle Vidal Unit Closure Order 02-489 will be effective annually from January 1 to March 31, for the East Side of the Restricted Area, which includes Cimarron and McCrystal campgrounds (see map), and from May 1 to June 30, for the West Side of the Restricted Area (see map). The Order will remain in effect until July 1, 2025, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.
- View the Closure Order and Map

View More Closures

Conditions

Trail Crew Progress on Windstorm Damaged Trails

Status and condition updates on trails impacted by a severe windstorm in the Taos, NM, area in December 2021.

Open roads/trails on the Camino Real Ranger District

A list of trails and roads that are open on the Camino Real Ranger District.

View More Conditions

Public Notices

Travel Management

Travel Management and Seasonal Closures

Travel Management restrictions are in place. There are seasonal closures on the Carson National Forest. Please refer to the Motor Vehicle Use Map or call the local ranger district office.
From May 1 to June 30, 2018, the west side (Taos County side) of the Valle Vidal Unit in the Questa Ranger District is closed for elk calving. You are not allowed to leave your vehicle on the west side of the Valle Vidal due to the closure.