Santa Fe National Forest
The Use of GPS is NOT Recommended
Numerous visitors have been routed to remote trailheads and out-of-the-way roads trying to use GPS to reach the main park area or shuttle stop.
Uber, Lyft, and Other "Taxi" Services
Bandelier is in a remote location, with cell service in the canyon limited to Verizon 4G only. Services like Uber and Lyft will bring you here, but there may be no way to contact a ride out. Please plan your pickup before being dropped off at Bandelier.
Water Outage at Ponderosa Campground
The Ponderosa Campground is experiencing a temporary water outage. Please bring all the water you’ll need for your visit, including drinking water.
Alcove House Temporarily Closed
Alcove House is temporarily closed until further notice due to deterioration on the ladders beyond what was expected. It is being done out of an abundance of caution and with visitor safety in mind. The rest of Bandelier remains open.
Winter Storm Warning issued April 30 at 8:58PM MDT until May 2 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations between 2 and 6 inches between 7500 and 9500 feet and 6 to 10 inches above 9500 feet. * WHERE...Sangre de Cristo Mountains. * WHEN...Until midnight MDT Friday Night. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Tire traction will be reduced. Extend the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels will continue to drop to around 7500 feet Friday morning. The period of heaviest snow is expected late tonight through Friday morning.
Hanford: Your Navigation System May Mislead You
Navigation systems may not recognize that the B Reactor is located on the federally protected Hanford Nuclear Reservation. The site is only accessible via tours leaving from the Hanford Visitor Center at 2000 Logston Blvd. Richland, WA 99354.
Hanford Visitor Center Closure
The Hanford visitor center will be closed on December 22-26 and January 1-2.
Los Alamos: Visitor Center Closure
The Los Alamos Visitor Center will be closed Friday, November 29 through Monday, December 2. Normal operating days and hours will resume on Friday, December 6.
Los Alamos Visitor Center Extended Hours
The Los Alamos Visitor Center is open 7 days per week 10:00 am to 3:00 pm MST on October 10-October 19th. Afterwards, we will resume normal operating hours and be open 10:00 am-3:00 pm MST Fridays-Mondays.
Los Alamos: Thanksgiving Week Visitor Center Closure
The Los Alamos Visitor Center will be closed for Thanksgiving Week from Monday November 20th through Thursday November 30th. Normal operating hours will resume Friday December 1st.
Los Alamos: Winter Holiday Visitor Center Closure
The Los Alamos Visitor Center will be closed for the Winter Holidays from Saturday December 23rd through Thursday January 4th. Normal operating hours will resume on Friday January 5th.
Hanford: Winter Holiday Visitor Center Reduced Hours
The Hanford Visitor Center is closed December 25 & 26 and will have reduced hours on December 27-29, 2023. The visitor center will be staffed from 10am - 3pm PT. Normal visitor center hours resume January 2, 2024.
Oak Ridge: Visitor Center Closure
The Manhattan Project Oak Ridge Visitor Center will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Thursday November 28. Normal hours will resume on Friday November 29.
Oak Ridge: Visitor Centure Closures, Winter Holidays
The Oak Ridge Visitor Center will be closed December 24, 25, 31 & January 1st.
Oak Ridge, TN: Limited Parking
Due to repaving, the Oak Ridge Visitor Center has limited parking. Do not drive or walk within the coned off area closest to the building. Parking is available in the striped area of the lot. Parking is available on W. Outer Drive.
Oak Ridge, TN: No Accessible Entrance
Due to repaving, the Oak Ridge Visitor Center does not have an accessible entrance. Call (865) 482-1942 and a park ranger will meet you outside.
Volcano Discovery Center closed for exhibit installation
The Volcano Discovery Center is closed for two weeks while the new exhibit is installed.
Trail closure for pipeline restoration project
The VC09/South Valle Toledo/Posos Trail from the Valle Toledo parking area to the eastern park boundary is closed for restoration. The NPS is working on a trail reroute for the 2025 season and will provide details as soon as possible.
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…
All Offices Closed - April 22, 2026
OFFICE ANNOUNCEMENTThe Supervisor’s Office in Santa Fe, NM, and all district offices (Cuba, Jemez, Coyote, Española, Pecos, and Las Vegas) will be closed on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, while our customer service representatives attend annual training. We’ll be back to our regular hours on…
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
Order Number: # 03-10-00-26-03U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest ServiceSanta Fe National ForestEmergency Stage 1 Fire Restrictions PROHIBITIONS Pursuant to 16 U.S.C § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), the following are prohibited on all National Forest System lands (NFS) in the Santa…
Temporary Area Closure for the Tesuque Peak Powerline on the Espanola Ranger District
The area in the vicinity of Tesuque Peak Powerline is temporarily closed for a powerline rebuild and restoration project.
Headquarters Well Area Closure on Española Ranger District
Order Number: 03-10-06-25-17U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest ServiceSanta Fe National ForestEspanola Ranger DistrictCamping Area Closure at Headquarters WellPROHIBITIONSPursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a) and (b) the following is prohibitedon the National Forest…
Jemez Cave Closure
The purpose of this Order is to provide natural and cultural resource protection for the Jemez Cave and for public safety and welfare until current damage to natural and cultural resources can be assessed and a long-term management strategy developed.
Occupancy and Use Restrictions Order for the Santa Fe National Forest
The Santa Fe National Forest has the need to limit the stay of the visitors to lessen the opportunity of residency; and to comply with State Law prohibiting the consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons under the age of 21; and to protect general visitors sensitive to public nudity from human…
Special Closure for the Santa Fe Watershed on the Espanola Ranger District
Special Closure Order for the Santa Fe watershed
Santa Fe Watershed Closure Order on the Espanola Ranger District
WHEREAS, bathing, fishing, camping, picnicking, and other forms of human occupancy of the Santa Fe River Watershed in the Santa Fe National Forest, causes pollution of the water flowing therein used by the residents of Santa Fe, New Mexico , for drinking and domestic purposes, to a degree…
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.
Overview
Santa Fe National Forest is open and covering 1.6 million acres in northern New Mexico, with elevations ranging from 5,000 to 13,000 feet across mountains, valleys, mesas, and wilderness areas. Currently, the forest is under winter operations with seasonal road closures in effect (Forest Roads 27 and 31 closed as of December 31, 2025) to protect infrastructure from winter weather damage. Fire restrictions have been lifted forest-wide as of June 6, 2025. Active alerts include a camping area closure at Headquarters Well in the Española Ranger District (extended through winter), and an area closure near Tesuque Peak for a powerline rebuild project. Prescribed pile burns are ongoing through fall and winter as conditions allow. The forest has transitioned to cashless payment systems at select recreation sites using the Recreation.gov mobile app. Most campgrounds and picnic areas remain accessible, though winter weather can impact road conditions—check NMRoads for advisories. Fire danger is currently low in both the western (San Juan Mountains) and eastern (Sangre de Cristo Mountains) portions of the forest.
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