Recreation

Dendroglyphs On Valles Caldera National Preserve

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Volunteer Steve Daly shows a dendroglyph to Victoria Prieto Ruarte, a National Park Service intern, and Trish Weller, a fellow volunteer. Courtesy/Elizabeth Miller

Los Amigos de Valles Caldera News:

Los Amigos de Valles Caldera Board Member Billy Smith saw the article “What the Trees Tell Us” by Elizabeth Miller in the Spring 2026 National Parks Conservation Association Spring Newsletter.

This article discusses the dendroglyphs that exist on the aspen trees on Valles Caldera National Preserve.

Los Amigos would like to pass along the link to this informative article about the sheepherders Read More

Spots Are Filling Fast For YMCA’s 2026 YESCorps Program

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YMCA News:

Spots are filling quickly for the YMCA YESCorps program for middle school students.

Participants get active while serving their community through hands-on projects, making new friends, and enjoying exciting Fun Fridays each week.

Register soon to reserve a spot before the program fills up: Click here. Read More

Pecos-Las Vegas Ranger District Announces Opening Dates For Roads, Recreation Sites, And Forest Product Sales

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A volunteer with the Pecos Ambassador Program picks up trash in Pecos Canyon, a reminder that we rely on dedicated volunteers to help keep the canyon clean and beautiful. Courtesy/SFNF

SFNF News:

SANTA FE — The Pecos–Las Vegas Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest announces the official opening of the district to public access for the 2026 season. Beginning Thursday, April 2, gates, roads, and recreation sites in the district will be open for public use. Firewood permit sales will begin Wednesday, April 15.

As people plan their outdoor adventures this spring, the Forest Service encourages Read More

Stay Safe On The Trails: Living And Hiking Responsibly With Wildlife In Los Alamos County

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Bobcat. Courtesy/LAC

COUNTY News:

Living in Los Alamos County means sharing our beautiful landscapes with a wide range of wildlife. While encounters with animals like bears, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, deer, and rattlesnakes are relatively uncommon, they do happen—especially along trails and open spaces. Understanding the risks and practicing smart habits can help keep you, your pets, and wildlife safe.

Wild animals are not naturally aggressive toward humans, but they may react defensively if surprised, protecting young, or seeking food. Off-leash pets are one of the most common Read More

Atomic City Road Runners To Kick Off 52nd Season April 7

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ACRR News:

The Atomic City Road Runners Club (ACRR) will begin its 52nd season at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, at the Canyon Rim Trailhead across from the Los Alamos Cooperative Market on East Road (N.M. 502).

This run includes 1, 2, and 3-mile paved courses. Learn more at https://www.ac-rr.com.

The Atomic City Road Runners Club is a family-oriented running and walking club that meets every Tuesday April through October, for a pace race in which members predict their own time. Anyone can choose to run or walk for 1 mile, 2 miles or 3 miles, and the slowest walker can be a winner if his or her finish time Read More

Registration Is Open For 2026 Spring Gymkhana Series

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Courtesy photo

COUNTY News:

Registration is open for the 2026 Spring Gymkhana (Horse Play Day) Series! Participants can register for individual event days or sign up for the full series, running April 15–June 3, 2026. Choose the option that works best for you!

Gymkhana events often emphasize children’s participation, but adults are welcome too! In most of the western United States, the phrase “gymkhana” means “games on horseback”. The Gymkhana includes timed speed events such as barrel racing, keyhole race, flag race, pole bending, and on or off-horse roping.

Riders of all Read More

Santa Fe National Forest Enters Stage 1 Fire Restrictions 

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SFNF News:

SANTA FE — Due to elevated wildfire risk, the Santa Fe National Forest will implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions (Order # 03-10-00-26-03) forest-wide beginning today, April 2, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2026.

The decision to implement fire restrictions is based on various factors, including the availability of firefighting resources, current drought conditions, weather forecast, the time of year, and fuel moisture levels. Implementing fire restrictions can help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public health and safety.

What is prohibited under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions? Read More

New Mexico Invests $1.9M To Expand Youth Outdoor Access

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Wumaniti Earth Native Sanctuary engages Indigenous and rural youth in traditional horseback riding, archery, mustang rescue and shelter building. Courtesy/EDD

EDD News:

SANTA FE — A $1.9 million investment through the state’s Outdoor Equity Fund will connect over 22,000 youth across 14 counties to 62 programs that promote wellness and expand outdoor access.

Applications for overall FY26 funding surged 141% over the previous year, with 228 organizations requesting $7.8 million in funding against $4 million available.

“This state investment in our youth is amplified by nearly $2 million Read More

The Big Dig Paid Off: What’s Coming To Pajarito Ski Area For Winter 2026/27

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Snowmaker at Pajarito Mountain Ski Area. Courtesy/Pajarito

PAJARITO News:

Every season has a story, and this one started with a dry winter and a whole lot of waiting. But while the snowpack didn’t always cooperate, something else was happening beneath the surface—literally.

The Jemez Mountain Fire Protection Project, the ambitious pipeline infrastructure effort that our community has been following for years, has raced ahead of schedule. And now, Pajarito is ready to put that momentum to work.

This summer and fall, we’re getting to it. We’re talking about a multimillion-dollar, multi-year Read More