UPDATE: (May 17, 2022) — Santa Fe National Forest and Carson National Forest will close on the morning of Thursday May 19. This means CDT and all interior USFS Roads are CLOSED from Cuba, NM to Cumbres Pass, north of Chama, NM.
GOLDEN, Colo. (May 13, 2022) – AN IMPORTANT NOTE FOR CDT TRAVELERS: CDTC has been informed by the U.S. Forest Service about upcoming closures of National Forests across the state of New Mexico due to extreme fire danger. The Continental Divide Trail and all other trails, routes, and forest service roads within these forests will not be available from the time of the USFS-determined closure for the indefinite future, which may commence as early as Monday, May 16. CDTC urges all CDT travelers in New Mexico to make immediate plans to adjust their itineraries.
The Santa Fe National Forest has informed CDTC of a pending closure next week, which may happen as early as Monday. Other forests may follow shortly thereafter, pending discussions from Forest Leadership. BLM lands are currently under fire restrictions in New Mexico and El Malpais National Monument is also under fire restrictions.
CDTC is liaising with on-the-ground authorities to learn more about these upcoming closures. CDT travelers should be prepared for changes in their hiking itineraries and be ready to exit the National Forests. We’ll continue to update our social media and website as we receive information. A closure map will be available when the order is signed and issued.
Our express hope is that CDT travelers will continue to value our local communities and first responders by respecting these closures. Your stewardship and adherence to fire regulations will help ensure the long-term health of the Continental Divide Trail and local communities. Fines and penalties will result for travelers who do not follow these closures.
While we understand that these closures will be a disappointing and challenging time for the travelers who had hoped to traverse these areas, one of the key tenets to the CDTC experience is to remain flexible, adaptable and ready for unforeseen changes. Questions about specific local regulations may be directed to the USFS officials listed in closure orders.
CDTC will continue to update travelers on this evolving situation.
