Santa Fe National Forest Offices Closed for Memorial Day

All Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) offices will be closed Monday, May 29, in observance of Memorial Day and will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, May 30. Memorial Day is a time we set aside to remember and pay tribute to the heroic members of our military who sacrificed their lives in the service of our country.

Considered the unofficial opening of the summer recreation season, the three-day Memorial Day weekend is a time to enjoy the SFNF. Following simple guidelines for recreating responsibly outdoors will keep everyone safe this holiday weekend.

This year, after a winter with above-average moisture and snowpack, there are currently no fire restrictions on the SFNF. But fire managers are asking the public not to be complacent. If you plan to gather family and friends around a campfire, please do it responsibly and safely by following Smokey Bear’s campfire safety guidelines. Never leave your campsite until the fire is completely extinguished and cold to the touch. Visitors are reminded that fireworks and explosives are always prohibited on federal lands.

Adhere to the Leave No Trace principles of outdoor ethics to leave your favorite part of the SFNF ready for the next visitors to enjoy. Refer to the Motor Vehicle Use Maps, available at all SFNF offices and SFNE Website, so you know which roads and trails are open to motor vehicle traffic.

Finally, if your plans include water activities, be aware of the spring runoff which has increased flow on rivers and streams to potentially dangerous levels. As always, let someone know your plans, including your itinerary and when you expect to return home. Do not rely on cell phones for safety because you may not always have cell coverage in remote sections of the forest.

Law enforcement officers, fire personnel and recreation staff will be patrolling over the Memorial Day weekend to ensure visitor safety.