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Closure of Hopewell Lake Campground/Day Use Area, Portion of Continental Divide Trail
Rebabilitation of Hopewell Lake recreation facilities will prompt a closure beginning August 17, 2026. The following will be closed:
- Hopewell Lake Campground
- Hopewell Lake Day Use Area
- Continental Divide National Scenic Trail between Hopewell Lake Campground and Highway 64
- Forest Service Roads 356 and 356A
Faciliites are expected to reopen as late as mid-August 2027, but could be earlier.
The work will:
- Replace the potable water system, which is currently broken
- Redesign select campsites
- Create a single point of access to the campground and day use area (campers and day use visitors will both use Forest Road 356 in the future)
- Replace outdated fire rings and picnic tables
- Enhance signage and parking at the Continental Divide National Scenic Trailhead.
Alert Start Date: August 17, 2026
Alert End Date: N/A
Order Number: 03-02-06-26-18
Contact Information
Contact Number: (575) 758-8678
Forest Order
Download a PDF copy of this forest order and map.
Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and Hopewell Lake Campground/Day Use Area Closures
PROHIBITIONS
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a) and (b), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) roads, trail, and developed recreation site in the Tres Piedras Ranger District, Carson National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Described Road, Trail, and Sites”):
- Being on a road. C.F.R. § 261.54(e).
- Being on a trail. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(a).
- Going into or being upon the Described Area. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(b).
EXEMPTIONS
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
- Owners or lessees of land accessible by Forest Service Road 356.
- Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).
- Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.
DESCRIBED ROADS, TRAIL, AND SITES
Forest Service Roads 356 and 356A1 are closed from their intersection with Forest Road 91B to their terminuses.
The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (Trail No. 11) is closed between its intersection with the south end of Hopewell Campground and Highway 64.
Hopewell Campground, Hopewell Fishing Site, and Hopewell Picnic Site are closed in their entirety.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Order is for public health and safety during rehabilitation and construction work of Hopewell Lake recreation area.
IMPLEMENTATION
- This Order shall be in effect from August 17, 2026, at 12:00 a.m. through August 16, 2027, at 11:59 p.m., unless rescinded.
- A map identifying the Described Roads, Trail, and Sites is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/carson/alerts.
- Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.
- A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
- Contact the Carson National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Taos, N.M., (575) 758- 6200, for more information about this Order.
- This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts at the same Described Roads, Trail, and Sites.