Forest Supervisor Shaun Sanchez
SFNF News:
SANTA FE —This week, The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) begins the decision-making process of reopening roads and recreation sites.
Some of the factors considered when deciding to open a site include state and local health and safety guidelines, seasonal availability and facility conditions, and local weather forecasts.
Visitors to the SFNF are advised to be aware of the risk of flooding. The recent stretch of warm weather has resulted in significant runoff from the melting high-elevation snowpack throughout northern New Mexico. Streams, creeks, and rivers in the mountains will continue to experience elevated flows and rapid rises in the coming weeks. Mountain roads may also experience localized flooding.
Residents and visitors are reminded to exercise extreme caution near fast-moving water that can be dangerous. Never cross flooded roadways and do not drive around barricades. Motorists should remain vigilant to the potential of rock or debris on roads in areas of steep terrain.
“We understand that SFNF lands are important to local communities and visitors for recreation and enjoyment and are in the process of reopening areas as conditions allow,” stated SFNF Forest Supervisor Shaun Sanchez. We encourage visitors to check the Santa Fe National Forest website for the status of specific recreation sites prior to traveling or making plans.
Santa Fe National Forest Seasonal Openings and Closures by District:
Coyote District
- All roads – OPEN (expect wet conditions in higher elevations)
- All campgrounds – OPEN
Cuba District
- All roads – OPEN MAY 1 (weather permitting)
- All campgrounds – OPEN MAY 12
Española District
- All roads – OPEN (expect wet conditions in higher elevations)
- Aspen, Big Tesuque, and Borrego Mesa Campgrounds – OPEN
- Black Canyon Campground – OPEN MAY 15
Jemez District
- Due to warmer temperatures with rapid snowmelt, there is currently flooding in the area. Please call the Jemez Ranger District for current conditions and proceed with caution (575.829.3535).
- All campgrounds – OPEN MAY 15
- Forest Service Roads 289, 36 corridor, 10 corridor – OPEN
- Gilman Tunnels – CLOSED (due to rockslide)
- Forest Service Road 266 – CLOSED
Las Vegas/Pecos District
- After fire, many trees are weakened from burning around the base of the trunk. Trees can fall over or blow down without warning. Visitors must exercise caution around burned trees in the area.
- Call the Las Vegas/Pecos District for current conditions (505.425.3534)
The following areas remain CLOSED (per Order Number: 03-10-05-23-01)
- Barillas Area
- All Portions of National Forest System (NFS) Road 261 starting at National Forest Boundary, until its terminus with the El Porvenir Campground.
- All portions of National Forest System (NFS) Road 263, 263B, 263C in its entirety until its terminus with Burro Basin Trailhead.
- A portion of National Forest System (NFS) Trail 251, the Skyline Trail, remains closed outside of wilderness.
- Consisting of all National Forest System lands within the El Porvenir Developed Recreation Site
- Baker Flat Picnic Site, Oak Flats Picnic Site, Big Pine Picnic Site, and Burro Basin Trailhead remain closed.
