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National Forest Road 245 to Capilla Peak, campground opening up
The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands has reopened National Forest Road 245 in the Mountainair Ranger District after a winter closure, officials announced.
This drive in the Manzano Mountains is fit for four-wheel and two-wheel drive vehicles, weather permitting. The start of the gravel road is less than an hour east and south of Albuquerque. The road winds upward past 9,000 feet to Capilla Peak.
Hikers can access the South Crest Trail from the top of the road. There’s a vault toilet just before the gate, and the switchbacks at the New Canyon Campground are scheduled to open in April.
The road, which runs from the gate at New Canyon Campground to Capilla Peak Campground, had been closed since Jan. 19 to prevent damage to natural resources during periods of saturated soil in the winter months.
“Forest Road 245 from the gate at New Canyon Campground up to Capilla Peak is now reopened,” the forest service said in a statement.
The road leads to the University of New Mexico’s Capilla Peak Observatory, a 24-inch optical telescope that is owned and operated by the university. It is not open to the public.
While New Canyon Campground remains open year-round, Capilla Peak Campground is scheduled to open in April.
For further information, contact the Mountainair Ranger District at 40 Ranger Station Road, Mountainair, or by phone at 505-847-2990.
National Forest Road 245 to Capilla Peak, campground opening up
