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 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:

Pile Burning Updates

Check this alert for daily pile burning updates from across the forest.

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.

Closure of Forest Road 17

Forest Roads 17 is currently closed for maintenance work.

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.

Occupancy and Use

Covers stay limits, alcoholic beverages, parking and public nudity.

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

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

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