A volunteer with the Pecos Ambassador Program picks up trash in Pecos Canyon, a reminder that we rely on dedicated volunteers to help keep the canyon clean and beautiful. Courtesy/SFNF

SFNF News:

SANTA FE — The Pecos–Las Vegas Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest announces the official opening of the district to public access for the 2026 season. Beginning Thursday, April 2, gates, roads, and recreation sites in the district will be open for public use. Firewood permit sales will begin Wednesday, April 15.

As people plan their outdoor adventures this spring, the Forest Service encourages visitors to check current road and recreation conditions, practice responsible recreation, and follow all fire restrictions.

Roads

Roads that were closed during winter months to protect public safety and prevent resource damage during periods of snow, saturated soils, and freeze–thaw conditions will reopen to public motorized access on Thursday, April 2. For a list of open roads, visit the forest website.

Recreation Sites

Most developed recreation sites, trailheads, campgrounds, picnic areas, day-use areas, and dispersed camping areas are now open for the season. There are some new and exciting updates that the district will be making to the Jacks Creek, Panchuela, and Field Tract campgrounds. These updates include water system and vault toilet construction. The public can expect that these locations will remain inaccessible due to the construction. Additional recreation sites in the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon burn area will remain closed at this time.

“These campground updates are essential for visitor safety and enjoyment. Our engineers and contractors will begin construction in May as part of a broader agency effort to expand access and improve facilities and visitor services,” said Pecos-Las Vegas District Ranger Amina Sena. “We’re investing in the places people love — improving campgrounds and facilities to make recreation safer, easier, and more enjoyable.”

This year, the Upper Pecos Watershed Association will provide and maintain ten portable toilets to increase restroom availability and help protect the Pecos River from pollution.

The Association will arrange portable toilets at:

• Dalton Picnic Area
• Links Tract/Davis Willow
• Rainy Day Fishing
• Dalton Canyon Dispersed Campground
• Cowels Pond

The public can find the status of recreation sites on the Pecos-Las Vegas Ranger District on the forest website

Firewood Permits

Starting Wednesday, April 15, the Pecos-Las Vegas Ranger District will begin selling permits for green and dead and down firewood, latillas, posts, aspen tree transplants, and vigas. Free-use permits will also be available within portions of the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon wildfire area.

Fire Restrictions

Due to elevated wildfire risk, the Santa Fe National Forest will implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions (Order # 03-10-00-26-03) forest-wide beginning Thursday, April 2, through Sept. 30.   

The decision to implement fire restrictions is based on various factors, including the availability of firefighting resources, current drought conditions, the weather forecast, the time of year, and fuel moisture levels. Implementing fire restrictions can help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public health and safety.

What is prohibited under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions?  

• Building, maintaining, or using a fire, including charcoal and briquettes outside of a designated fire ring or grill provided by the Forest Service in a developed recreation area. Stoves, lanterns or heaters fueled by propane or other liquefied petroleum fuels may be used forest-wide in areas cleared of flammable materials within three feet of the device, if they meet manufacturer’s safety specifications and have on/off switches.   

• Smoking is only allowed in enclosed vehicles or buildings and developed recreation sites.    

Responsible Recreation

Visitors are reminded to recreate responsibly to protect natural and cultural resources by following six tips: plan and know before you go, camp responsibly, properly dispose of waste,  leave what you find, be fire safe, and be considerate of others. Follow these tips to protect natural resources, ensure public safety, and keep outdoor spaces open for future generations.

About the Forest Service

The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.