Alerts
Forest Alerts
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Restrooms at Canjilon Lakes
A contractor is currently working to replace and upgrade all nine vault toilets at Canjilon Lakes Recreation Area. There are no planned closures, but some areas may temporarily be inaccessible during removal and installation. The restroom project is expected to be completed by mid-June.
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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.
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Flooding Along El Nogal Nature Trail (#181)
Springtime runoff is flooding portions of the El Nogal Nature Trail where it parallels the Rio Fernando de Taos. Visitors should avoid hiking the trail or walk through puddles to avoid trampling vegetation and creating social trails.
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Annual Closure of Wheeler Peak, Williams Lake and Surrounding Area
The Carson National Forest closes an area in and around the Wheeler Peak Wilderness each summer for about a week for community traditional purposes. 2025 dates are yet to be determined. -
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.
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Valle Vidal West Side Closure
Each year, portions of the Valle Vidal close for the protection of one of New Mexico’s largest elk herds. The west side closure is currently in effect.
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Closure of Forest Roads 17 and 439
Forest Roads 17 and 439 are currently closed for maintenance work.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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Brush Piles Along Highway 150 and Wheeler Peak Trail (#90)
Piles from forest thinning last year are visible throughout the Highway 150 corridor, including from campgrounds and trailheads, between the forest boundary and Taos Ski Valley. -
Occupancy and Use
Covers stay limits, alcoholic beverages, parking and public nudity. -
Comales Canyon Trail Deadfall
About 200 deadfall are blocking the the eastern half of the loop near the junctions with the Comales Cutoff (#22A) and Bear Mountain (#28) trails.
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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.