Alerts
In addition to closures, prohibitions and fire restrictions, this list includes a snapshot of significant known issues across Carson National Forest. However, the forest is 1.5 million acres and some issues may not be known for severeal weeks or even months in less visisted areas. To report an issue, contact forest staff.
For general conditions by season, vist the Current Conditions.
Forest Alerts
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Office Closure (Tres Piedras): April 23
The Tres Piedras Ranger Station, which is open on Thursdays weekly, will be closed on April 23 for staff training. It will reopen for normal hours April 30.Some services are available online:Firewood PermitsCampground Reservations -
Valle Vidal Annual Closures
Annual seasonal closures in the Valle Vidal for the protection of one of New Mexico’s largest elk herds. -
Valle Vidal Camping Restrictions
 The following prohibitions are in effect within the Valle Vidal Unit:Camping on or within a half-mile of Forest Service roads (camping is allowed in Cimarron and McCrystal campgrounds when open).Camping within 100 yards of natural waters or within 300 yards of constructed waters.The purpose of… -
Possession of Domestic Sheep or Goats
The following is prohibited to protect bighorn sheep from diseases transmitted by domestic sheep and goats:Possessing, storing, or transporting any domestic goat or sheep within the Congressionally designated boundaries of the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness AreaLatir Peaks Wilderness AreaPecos… -
Current Fire Restrictions and Related Prohibitions
Fire managers will enact temporary fire restrictions at times of heightened fire danger to complement regional orders and national prohibitions.This page lists local, regional and national laws regarding the use of fire on the Carson National Forest. The text of each prohibition is listed with a… -
Annual Summer Closure of Wheeler Peak, Williams Lake, and Surrounding Area
The Carson National Forest temporarily closes the Wheeler Peak and Williams Lake area each summer for about a week for local community, traditional purposes.The 2026 dates will be determined in the summer, but the closure has historically taken place in mid- to late August.The following trails will… -
Seasonal Road Closures
Seasonal winter road closures for vehicles went into effect Jan. 1. Most will reopen around May 1. Visitors may still use the roads by other means, such as hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.Closures and dates are broken down in a series of Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) by ranger… -
Timber Harvest in Progress Near Pot Creek, Taos
An active timber harvest for forest restoration is occurring on the Camino Real Ranger District off Forest Service Roads 115A, 115B, and 476*.For everyone's safety:Keep an eye out for logging truck signage and look for dust from haul traffic to anticipate encounters.Listen for trucks/equipment… -
Pile Burning Updates
Check this alert for daily pile burning updates from across the forest. -
Collapsed Bridge on the West Fork Santa Barbara Trail (#25)
 A bridge over the Middle Fork Rio Santa Barbara in the Pecos Wilderness has collapsed. It's located on the West Fork Santa Barbara Trail (#25) and is: 2.3 miles from the Santa Barbara Trailhead~0.25-mile from the Middle Fork (#24)/West Fork (#25) intersection.Use 36.054280°, -105.615395° to… -
Douglas-Fir Tussock Moth Outbreak
Recently browned trees to the south of Taos, N.M., are the result of an outbreak of Douglas-fir tussock moths, which are currently in their larval (caterpillar) stage. Proceed with caution when around them. Specific locations include general forest areas along Highway 518 south of Pot Creek and… -
Placer Fork Trail Flooding
A beaver dam has caused flooding on the Placer Fork Trail (#72), just east of its junction with the Columbine Canyon Trail (#71). Visitors report it is not safely passable. -
Capulin Trail and Related Road Access Closed to Vehicles
The Capulin Trail (#494), as well as a portion of Forest Road 10AA, is temporarily closed to vehicles (motorcycles, ATVs and e-bikes, classes 1-3). For background on the closure, read the news release.DocumentationForest OrderMap -
Occupancy and Use
Covers stay limits, alcoholic beverages, parking and public nudity. -
Significant Deadfall on Trails: Comales, Midnight, Sawmill Trails
Travel is not recommended on the following trails or trail segments due to blowdown from a severe windstorm in Dec. 2021. Trail crews continue work through the backlog:Comales Canyon Trail: About 200 deadfall are blocking the the eastern half of the loop near the junctions with the Comales Cutoff… -
Fawn Lakes Drained
Heavy spring runoff in 2019 broke the dam and damaged the sidewalk, pullouts and pier. Forest staff are working with partners to identify funding and options for the future of fishing in this area.The adjacent campground remains open for the spring and summer seasons.