SantaFeToday.com Santa Fe’s Hometown News
Due to winter weather conditions, the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) will close some forest roads that are susceptible to damage to protect public health and safety, infrastructure, and natural resources. At this time, many recreation sites such as campgrounds and picnic areas have also been closed for the season. Some recreation sites remain open year-round. For an up-to-date list of site closures, see the SFNF website or call the local ranger district office.
Seasonal closures generally occur between December and May, when snow, ice and frigid temperatures make winter travel treacherous. The use of four-wheel and two-wheel motorized vehicles including all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, and eBikes, is prohibited on restricted roads when gates are closed, locked, or posted with a closure sign.
Current and upcoming road closures:
- Espanola Ranger District
- Forest Road 102 is currently closed
- Forest Roads 27 and 31 will close December 31 (be aware that travel up Forest Road 144 to reach Forest Road 27will result in a dead-end at the closed gate)
- Cuba Ranger District
- Forest Roads 69, 70, 6, 20, 98, 531, 533, 534, and 539 will close January 1
- Jemez Ranger District
- Roads 10, 144, 268, 280, 289, 378, and 376 (north to San Antonio hot springs) will close January 1
- Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District
- Forest Roads 18, 79, 86, 92, 121, 122, 223, 263, 305, 375, 555, and 634 will close beginning January 1 through January 10
- Coyote Ranger District
- There are currently no road closures planned for the Coyote District
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
- Sand or kitty litter for traction if you get stuck.
- 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.
Forest Service personnel will enforce road and recreation site closures. Violations are 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.
Federal, state, and local officers, members of an organized rescue team or firefighting force, landowners accessing their private property, and any others authorized by permit are exempt from the closure orders but are still advised to use extreme caution on icy or snow packed roads.
An interactive map of road and recreation sites with detailed information can be found on the SFNF website. You may also call the local ranger district office for more information about road conditions.
