OLD SHUREE CABIN
Open — The cabin is located in Valle Vidal, which is accessible seasonally depending on road conditions and snow. No cell service is available throughout the Valle Vidal Unit.
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…
Valle Vidal Annual Closures
Each year, portions of the Valle Vidal close for the protection of one of New Mexico’s largest elk herds.The east side closes January 1 and reopens April 1 to protect wintering habitat. The closure includes Cimarron Campground, McCrystal Campground, and Shuree Ponds.Then the west side closes…
Valle Vidal Camping Restrictions
The following prohibitions are in effect within the Valle Vidal Unit:Camping on or within a half-mile of Forest Service roads (camping is allowed in Cimarron and McCrystal campgrounds when open).Camping within 100 yards of natural waters or within 300 yards of constructed waters.The purpose of…
Possession of Domestic Sheep or Goats
The following is prohibited to protect bighorn sheep from diseases transmitted by domestic sheep and goats:Possessing, storing, or transporting any domestic goat or sheep within the Congressionally designated boundaries of the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness AreaLatir Peaks Wilderness AreaPecos…
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.This page lists local, regional and national laws regarding the use of fire on the Carson National Forest. The text of each prohibition is listed with a…
Annual Summer Closure of Wheeler Peak, Williams Lake, and Surrounding Area
The Carson National Forest temporarily closes the Wheeler Peak and Williams Lake area each summer for about a week for local community, traditional purposes.The 2026 dates will be determined in the summer, but the closure has historically taken place in mid- to late August.The following trails will…
Seasonal Road Closures
Seasonal winter road closures for vehicles went into effect Jan. 1. Most will reopen around May 1. Visitors may still use the roads by other means, such as hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.Closures and dates are broken down in a series of Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) by ranger…
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 115A, 115B, and 476*.For everyone's safety:Keep an eye out for logging truck signage and look for dust from haul traffic to anticipate encounters.Listen for trucks/equipment…
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) and is: 2.3 miles from the Santa Barbara Trailhead~0.25-mile from the Middle Fork (#24)/West Fork (#25) intersection.Use 36.054280°, -105.615395° to…
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. Proceed with caution when around them. Specific locations include general forest areas along Highway 518 south of Pot Creek and…
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). For background on the closure, read the news release.DocumentationForest OrderMap
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:Comales Canyon Trail: About 200 deadfall are blocking the the eastern half of the loop near the junctions with the Comales Cutoff…
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
Old Shuree Cabin is situated in the Valle Vidal Unit of Carson National Forest, a 100,000-acre tract in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains known for its pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife. The cabin is located near the historic Shuree Ponds area, approximately 35 miles from either Costilla or Cimarron via forest roads. The Valle Vidal, Spanish for "Valley of Life," offers exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing including elk, mule deer, black bear, and bighorn sheep. The nearby Shuree Ponds provide stocked trout fishing opportunities from July 1 through December 31, with one pond reserved exclusively for youth anglers under 12. The cabin is across the road from Cimarron Campground and was restored by military veterans. Access to the Valle Vidal requires navigating mountain forest roads with no cell service throughout the unit. The area is characterized by high-elevation meadows, meandering streams, and dense forests, making it a premier destination for those seeking solitude in New Mexico's backcountry.
Directions
From Costilla or Cimarron, travel approximately 35 miles on forest roads through Valle Vidal. The cabin is located across from Cimarron Campground entrance near Shuree Ponds on Forest Road 1950.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | — |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | — |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $115 - $235 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!