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

• Forest Closure in Effect

  Date(s): May 19, 2022 - Jul 18, 2022

  The Carson National Forest is currently in a Stage 3 fire restrictions forest-wide closure. Fire danger remains extreme with record conditions only expected to worsen over the foreseeable future. The closure will be rescinded after signfiicant moisture has been received and overall conditions improve.

  More information:

  • Forest Order
  • Forest Order exhibit (map)
  • Press Release
  • The Forest's Camino Real Ranger District was closed last week.
  • All of Santa Fe National Forest and a portion of Cibola National Forest will also close.
• Hermits Peak & Calf Canyon Fires closures and information

  Date(s): May 11, 2022

  Contact(s): Fire Information Team

  The Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires have crossed into the Forest. The Camino Real Ranger District will close on Thur., May 12. Various evacuation statuses are in effect in the area.

  • InciWeb fire information webpage
  • Camino Real Ranger District closure (press release | forest order | map)
  • Interactive evacuation status map
  • Current fire restrictions
• Stage 2 fire restrictions

  Date(s): May 6, 2022

  Stage 2 fire restrictions are in effect and prohibit the following:

  1. All fires, including campfires and stove fires.
  2. Smoking, except in certain situations (see exemptions)
  3. Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.
  4. Possessing or using a motor vehicle off National Forest System roads and on motorized trails.
  5. Operating a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

  For exemptions and more, read the press releae and Forest Order:

  • Press release
  • Forest Order
  • Forest Order map 
• Air quality advisory

  Date(s): May 1, 2022

  During this period of wildfires across the southwestern region, visitors should consider personal health and take note of air quality before deciding to head out into the Forest. The Fire and Smoke Map from the U.S. Air Quality Index is one tool to help with that decision. Zoom in the area you're looking to visit and click a nearby monitor to find air quality measurements, recomemndations and more.

• Osha Trail (#20) impacted by wildland fire

  Date(s): Apr 23, 2022

  A small wildland fire is currently burning near the trailhead off Highway 518. Hikers are advised to use nearby trails, such as the Comales Canyon (#22) or Maes Canyon (#5) trails.

• 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

  Date(s): May 11, 2022

  The Camino Real Ranger District will be closed beginning at 6:00 a.m., Thursday, May 12, due to the Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires.

  • Press release
  • Forest order
  • Closure map
• 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
• Regional Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions

  Date(s): May 31, 2019 - Jun 1, 2023

  Pursuant to 16 USC 551 and 36 CFR 261.SO(a) the following acts are prohibited in the area as described in this Order and as depicted on the attached map hereby incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the "restricted area"), within the Southwestern Region National Forests and National Grasslands in the states of New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and Oklahoma.

  View Order