Cibola National Forest

Road work at El Malpais Visitor Center

Pavement patching at the El Malpais Visitor Center parking lot and road will occur in September. The visitor center will remain open, but slight delays are possible. Please follow construction signage and directions.

NPS 300 Road Conditions

NPS 300 to Big Tubes has some mud and ruts. Conditions may change following thunderstorms. A high clearance, four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended.

Stage II Fire Restrictions in effect

Stage II Fire Restrictions are in effect until further notice. The following activities are prohibited: building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove and smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle.

WNP bookstore is cashless

The Western National Parks (WNP) bookstore has moved to a cashless operation at El Malpais. Purchases can be made with credit and debit cards as well as contactless payment methods including Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay.

El Calderon Trail closed for construction August 11, 2025 through May 2026

The El Calderon Trail and parking area are closed from August 11, 2025, through late May 2026 for a major improvement project. NPS Road 100 will remain open for local traffic only, and the Continental Divide Trail will remain open for CDT thru-hikers.

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

Magdalena Ranger District Bear Trap Campground Closure Order #03-03-03-26-01

The Cibola National Forest has issued a new order (03-03-03-26-01) for the continued closure of Bear Trap Campground on the Magdalena Ranger District.

Mountainair Ranger District Capilla Road Temporary Winter Closure Order

The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety and prevent natural resource damage from vehicular traffic during the winter months while the ground/soil is saturated within the closure area.

Area Closure for Sandia Crest House Structure within the Sandia Crest Recreation Site 03-03-05-25-09

The Sandia Crest House within the Sandia Crest Recreation Site to include the structure located at the top of the Sandia Crest at the end of New Mexico State Highway 536 as specifically shown in Exhibit A map will be closed for public health and safety of an abandoned structure until a permit is

Area Closure for Sandia RD Rec Residence and Property at 69 Casa Loma Road #03-03-05-25-10

Area closure for the Casa Loma recreation residence at 69 Casa Loma road to include the structures and property located at the second driveway after crossing the Forest boundary prior to the dead-end of Casa Loma Road accessed off of New Mexico State Highway 14 as specifically shown in Exhibit A

Area Closure for Recreation Residence Structures and Property at 91 Casa Loma Road 03-03-05-25-11

The Casa Loma recreation residence at 91 Casa Loma road to include the structures and property located at the last driveway after crossing the Forest boundary at the dead-end of Casa Loma Road accessed off of New Mexico State Highway 14 as specifically shown in Exhibit A map.

Magdalena Ranger District Bear Trap Campground Closure Order # 03-03-03-24-11

The Cibola National Forest has issued a new order (03-03-03-24-11) for the continued closure of Bear Trap Campground on the Magdalena Ranger District.

Occupancy & Use Prohibitions Forest Order #03-03-00-23-03

This Order imposes a 14-day stay limit; places restrictions on alcoholic beverage consumption and parking; and bans public nudity. The purpose of this Order is to protect National Forest and Grassland resources and to provide for public health and safety. This Orde