Amole Canyon Group Shelter
Closed — Closed for the season. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions
To prevent fires and for public safety order 03-00-23-001 prohibits to 1) possess, discharge, or use any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devices; 2) use explosives; or 3) operate an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting devic
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits:
Cannabis Possession Prohibited
Order 03-00-00-21-002 prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting a cannabis plant, any part of a cannabis plant, or any substance derived from a cannabis plant within the Southwestern Region National Forests in the State of New Mexico and the National Grasslands in the s
Timber Harvest in Progress Near Pot Creek, Taos
An active timber harvest for forest restoration is occurring on the Camino Real Ranger District off Forest Service Roads 476, 115A, and 115B.For everyone's safety:
Collapsed Bridge on the West Fork Santa Barbara Trail (#25)
A bridge over the Middle Fork Rio Santa Barbara has collapsed. It's located on the West Fork Santa Barbara Trail (#25), 2.3 miles from the Santa Barbara Trailhead and about a quarter mile from the Middle Fork (#24)/West Fork (#25) intersection.
Early Fall Prescribed Fires Planned
Carson National Forest fire managers will potentially move forward with several prescribed fires in the first half of fall 2025.
Transmission Line Fuels Clearance in Taos Canyon
Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association is currently conducting fuels mitigation work to reduce the risk of wildfires within its right-of-way for a 115kV transmission line that spans Forest Service land between Black Lake, N.M., and Taos.
Douglas-Fir Tussock Moth Outbreak
Recently browned trees to the south of Taos, N.M., are the result of an outbreak of Douglas-fir tussock moths, which are currently in their larval (caterpillar) stage.
Current Fire Restrictions and Related Prohibitions
Fire managers will enact temporary fire restrictions at times of heightened fire danger to complement regional orders and national prohibitions.
Placer Fork Trail Flooding
A beaver dam has caused flooding on the Placer Fork Trail (#72), just east of its junction with the Columbine Canyon Trail (#71). Visitors report it is not safely passable.
Capulin Trail and Related Road Access Closed to Vehicles
The Capulin Trail (#494), as well as a portion of Forest Road 10AA, is temporarily closed to vehicles (motorcycles, ATVs and e-bikes, classes 1-3).
Brush Piles Along Highway 150 and Wheeler Peak Trail (#90)
Piles from forest thinning last year are visible throughout the Highway 150 corridor, including from campgrounds and trailheads, between the forest boundary and Taos Ski Valley.
Significant Deadfall on Trails: Comales, Midnight, Sawmill Trails
Travel is not recommended on the following trails or trail segments due to blowdown from a severe windstorm in Dec. 2021. Trail crews continue work through the backlog:
Fawn Lakes Drained
Heavy spring runoff in 2019 broke the dam and damaged the sidewalk, pullouts and pier. Forest staff are working with partners to identify funding and options for the future of fishing in this area.The adjacent campground remains open for the spring and summer seasons.
About
Amole Canyon Group Shelter provides a secluded group camping experience at 8,400 feet elevation in Carson National Forest. Nestled within a stand of tall ponderosa pine trees on a small hill overlooking a pristine meadow, the facility is the only group shelter in this location, offering ample solitude for groups of up to 100 people. The shelter features twin barbecue grills, picnic tables, and a group-sized fire ring under a covered awning. Accessible twin vault toilets with paved paths are provided. Parking includes four paved single-vehicle spots plus gravel areas for passenger vehicles, camper trailers, and RVs, with pull-through options available. Access is through a gated entrance with a combination code provided upon reservation. No water service or trash collection is available, so visitors must bring all necessary water and pack out trash. Immediately adjacent to the popular Amole Canyon Day Use Area, the shelter provides access to approximately 11 miles of non-motorized trails. The South Loop Trail offers views of the Rio Pueblo Valley, Bear Mountain, and Penasco Mountain, while the Upper Cutoff Trail provides vistas of Picuris Mountain. Trails are popular for hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, rated from easy to more difficult. The Amole Canyon Trailhead also connects to the forest's motorized trail system via Trail 182, the Tio Maes Trail. The area is located seven miles from Penasco and 15 miles from Taos.
Directions
From State Road 68 in Ranchos de Taos, go south on Highway 518 for 14.2 miles to the junction with National Forest System Road 703. Go southeast on FSR 703 approximately 0.4 miles to a gate locked with a coded padlock. The code will be provided via email upon reservation. Unlock the gate and proceed south into the group shelter parking area.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $100 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| pschilke@fs.fed.us | |
| Phone | +1 (575) 587-2255 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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