SFNF News:

SANTA FE – The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) this week issued a closure order prohibiting the public from entering Jemez Cave and closing public access to user-created trails that lead to the cave as well as the area immediately surrounding it. This closure order, which replaces one initially issued in 2012, is effective until May 1, 2019, unless it is rescinded earlier.

Jemez Cave is located on the Jemez Ranger District in the Soda Dam Geologic Special Interest Area adjacent to N.M. 4. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Jemez Cave is culturally significant to the Pueblo of Jemez and an important archaeological site subject to the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA).

The SFNF issued the closure order to protect cultural and natural resources associated with the Jemez Cave and protect public safety while archaeologists assess the cave’s condition. The SFNF also is developing a long-term management strategy for the Jemez Cave area.

Until the July 2012 closure of the Jemez Cave, it was a popular spot for overhead rock climbers who had attached bolts and quickdraws to the roof and walls.  In 2012, the climbing community removed all draws and chains, and most online rock climbing sites inform the public that the cave is closed.

Federal, state and local officers, members of an organized rescue team or firefighting force, and any others authorized by permit are exempt from the closure order.  That exemption includes Jemez Mountain Electric Cooperative employees conducting routine maintenance on existing power lines and poles.

Signs at the mouth of the cave, along the access trail and in the parking lot adjacent to N.M. 4 will notify the public that the area is closed to public entry, and the SFNF will monitor vehicles parked in the vicinity of the cave. Violation of the closure order is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, imprisonment of not more than six months, or both.

Copies of the closure order and map are available at the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) Headquarters, the Jemez Ranger District Office and the SFNF website.