Taos, NM (KKOB) — Carson National Forest staff will implement seasonal closures on Jan. 1, 2024. The closures are for the protection of wildlife, and in some cases, also for soil and watershed protection.
“The Carson National Forest is a biologically rich landscape that support a diversity of wildlife,” said Acting Forest Supervisor Jack Lewis. “It’s very important to continue protecting species as they overwinter.”
Road Closures
Many roads close to vehicles annually on January 1, with most reopening 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 by ranger district:
- Camino Real Ranger District
- Questa Ranger District
- Canjilon, El Rito and Tres Piedras ranger districts
A portion of Forest Road 559 (also known as NM-110 on some maps) will also close January 1. The closure is between the community of El Rito and the Canjilon Ranger District boundary (near the intersection with the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail).
There are no annual closures on the Jicarilla Ranger District.
Annual road closures were determined in the forest’s travel management plans, each which cite protecting wintering and calving habitat for big game (deer and elk), and in some cases, the additional protection of soil and watershed.
Valle Vidal
Each year, portions of the Valle Vidal close for the protection of one of New Mexico’s largest elk herds. To protect wintering habitat, the east side closes January 1 and reopens April 1. Then the west side closes May 1 and reopens July 1 to protect elk during calving season.
Forest Road 1950 remains open, but leaving it by any means is prohibited, including entering the campgrounds and the Shuree Ponds area. The forest order and a map are available online.
These actions are required by the forest’s land management plan to support self-sustaining animal populations in the Valle Vidal.
