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Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests

Gila National Forest

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…

Gila National Forest

Quemado Lake Area/Trail Closure - Harmful Algal Blooms

The Gila National Forest has issued a public health and safety area closure of Quemado Lake due to a harmful algal bloom. The area closure will remain in effect until December 31, 2026 at 6 a.m., or until NMED advises that the lake is safe for public use.

Gila National Forest

Silver City Ranger District and Supervisor's Office Phones Down

Phones at the Silver City Ranger District and Supervisor's Office are down as of July 22, 2026. This alert will be removed once the phones are back in working order.

Overview

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests encompasses over 2 million acres of mountain terrain in east-central Arizona and extends slightly into western New Mexico. The two forests merged administratively in 1974 and are managed as one unit. Elevations range from 3,500 feet on the Clifton Ranger District to over 11,000 feet in the Mount Baldy Wilderness. The forests feature significant water resources including 24 lakes and reservoirs and over 400 miles of rivers and streams—more than any other southwestern forest. Currently, there are no fire restrictions in effect forest-wide, though Benny Creek Campground and Southfork Day Use Area on the Springerville Ranger District remain closed under Order #03-01-25-06-004 (effective September 30, 2025). Many high-elevation campgrounds close seasonally—typically Sinkhole, Crook, Spillway, and Canyon Point close December 1, with water availability limited after November 1 except at Canyon Point. Dispersed camping remains available year-round with the standard 14-day stay limit. Prescribed fire operations have been ongoing through fall/winter to reduce overgrown vegetation, with recent burns on the Lakeside Ranger District. Be aware that winter storms can make high-country roads impassable and most are not plowed.

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