Santa Fe National Forest roads to close for the season

SANTA FE — The Santa Fe National Forest announced it is closing several roads for the season.

Seasonal closures typically occur between December and May when snow, ice and cold temperatures make traveling dangerous, SFNF spokesman Tyler Fogle said in a news release.

The closures bar the use of four-wheel and two-wheel motorized vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles, on restricted roads when gates are closed, locked, or posted with a closure sign, he said.

Current and upcoming road closures include:

Cuba Ranger District: Forest Roads 69 and 70

On Monday, Forest Roads 6, 20, 98, 531, 533, 534 and 539 will close.

Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District: Forest Roads 18, 79, 86, 92, 121, 122, 223, 263, 305, 375, 555 and 634

Jemez Ranger District: On Tuesday, Forest Roads 10, 144, 268, 280, 289, 376 and 378 will be closed.

Coyote Ranger District: No road closures are planned.

Española Ranger District: Forest Road 102

Fogle said visitors traveling on open forest roads should use caution as conditions can suddenly change. He encouraged travelers to check the weather and road conditions before leaving home and tell someone their planned route.

He also said people should carry various safety items in their vehicles, such as:

• A shovel, chains, water and food
• Sand or kitty litter for traction if you get stuck
• Jumper cables, flashlight and warning devices (i.e., flares, warning triangles or reflectors)
• Blankets and warm winter clothing

In case of emergency, call 911. Local ranger districts do not have emergency response capabilities. If an abandoned vehicle is blocking the roadway, call local law enforcement, usually the county sheriff’s office, for immediate removal, Fogle said.

A map of road and recreation sites is available at www.fs.usda.gov/santafe/.