Amole Canyon Group Shelter
Closed for the season. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
Winter Storm Warning issued May 1 at 11:52AM MDT until May 2 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches above 7,500 feet with higher amounts of 6 to 10 inches above 10,000 feet. * WHERE...Sangre de Cristo Mountains. * WHEN...Until midnight MDT tonight. * IMPACTS...Plan on snow packed or icy road conditions.
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 device in effective working order.
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits: Using any type of vehicle that does not comply with an applicable state law.Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization.Operating a vehicle in violation of speed, load,…
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 states of Texas and…
Current Fire Restrictions and Related Prohibitions
A list of temporary fire restrictions subject to daily changes.
Currently Impassable Trails and Trail Sections
A list of trails and trail sections not currently recommended for travel.
Valle Vidal Annual Closures
Annual seasonal closures in the Valle Vidal for the protection of one of New Mexico’s largest elk herds.
Valle Vidal Camping Restrictions
To protect wildlife habitat, camping on or within a half mile of Forest Service roads, or within 100 yards of natural waters or within 300 yards of constructed waters is prohibited in Valle Vidal.
Possession of Domestic Sheep or Goats
To protect bighorn sheep from disease, possessing, storing or transporting any domestic goat or sheep within Wilderness Areas in the Carson NF is prohibited.
Annual Summer Closure of Wheeler Peak, Williams Lake, and Surrounding Area
The following will be closed at a 2026 future date for a week for traditional purposes: Williams Lake (#62), Wheeler Summit (#67), Wheeler Peak (#90) between La Cal Basin and Wheeler Peak, Lost Lake (#91) between Horseshoe Lake and Wheeler Peak.
Seasonal Road Closures
Effective Jan. 1 until May 1 in most cases. See below for details. Closures are intended to protect wintering and calving habitat for big game as well as protecting soil and watershed.
Timber Harvest in Progress Near Pot Creek, Taos
Practice caution on Forest Roads 115A, 115B and 476 with ongoing timber harvest and forest restoration activities, including the use of heavy machinery.
Collapsed Bridge on the West Fork Santa Barbara Trail (#25)
A bridge over the Middle Fork Rio Santa Barbara in the Pecos Wilderness has collapsed. It's located on the West Fork Santa Barbara Trail (#25).
Douglas-Fir Tussock Moth Outbreak
Effects of the outbreak are visible to the south of Taos, N.M., especially near Pot Creek and along Forest Road 476. Proceed with caution when around them, contact can cause symptoms.
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). For background on the closure, read the news release.
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.
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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