SFNF Announces Seasonal Road Closures

It is that time of year when designated forest roads are likely to be impacted by winter weather. The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) reminds visitors that several roads across the forest will be closed for the winter to protect public health and safety, infrastructure and natural resources.

Temporary seasonal closures can feel like an inconvenience, but forest visitors have been stranded and in need of rescue due to unsuitable road conditions caused by inclement weather. Winter weather closures generally occur in higher elevations starting with the first substantial snowfall in December and can last until May. The closures prohibit the use of all motorized vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles, on restricted roads when gates are closed, locked or posted with a closure sign.

Federal, state and local officers, firefighters and members of an organized rescue team, snowmobilers, landowners accessing their property, and anyone with a Forest Service permit or special use authorization are exempt from the closure.

Seasonal closures are authorized by the SFNF motor vehicle use map, which is available for free at all SFNF offices or online where it can be downloaded to your phone or tablet. The following forest roads will be closed for the winter season:

• Cuba District: Forest Roads 6, 7, 20, 69, 70, 98, 531, 533, 534, 539

• Jemez District: Forest Roads 10, 144, 268, 280, 289, 314, 378, 376 from Gilman Tunnels to NM-126 and 376 from NM-126 to San Antonio Hot Springs
• Pecos/Las Vegas District: Forest Roads 18, 18JC, 83, 86, 92, 113, 114, 121, 122, 123, 123A, 156, 263, 305, 375, 555 to Jack’s Creek Campground, 632, 634, 636, 637, 638, 645 and 646
• Española District: Forest Road 27 at land grant boundary

Visitors traveling on open forest roads should use caution as conditions can change suddenly. Check the weather and current road conditions before you leave home and let someone know your planned route. Be prepared for an emergency by carrying safety items in your vehicle:

• A shovel, chains, water and food
• Jumper cables, flashlight and warning devices (i.e., flares, warning triangles or reflectors)
• Blankets and warm winter clothing

In case of emergency, call 911. Local ranger districts do not have emergency response capabilities. If an abandoned vehicle is blocking the roadway, call local law enforcement, usually the county sheriff’s office, for immediate removal.

You may also call the local ranger district office for more information about road conditions. Stay up to date on seasonal closures by checking the SFNF website and following the forest on Facebook and Twitter.