Single Publication

SANTA FE, NM – Aug. 9, 2022 – The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) today reduced the size of the closure area for the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire to allow for increased public access in the high country of the Pecos Wilderness. The updated closure order, effective at 8 a.m. today, opens an additional 11,517 acres at higher elevations within the Pecos Wilderness.
The Carson National Forest is also reopening portions of the Camino Real Ranger District that have been closed due to fire suppression and suppression repair, including the West Fork Santa Barbara Trail #25, which continues south and intersects with the Skyline Trail #251, the longest trail in the Pecos Wilderness.
Although the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire is 94% contained, suppression repair activities are ongoing. The closure order will remain in place to protect public health and safety during suppression repair and in the event of potential post-fire impacts, including debris flow and flash flooding. Visitors should maintain situational awareness at all times, especially during the monsoon season when sudden thunderstorms and lightning bring added risk to outdoor activities.
The SFNF will continue to monitor the closure area and reopen areas to public access for recreation, fuelwood and other uses when it is safe to do so.
For now, the Pecos Canyon and Gallinas Canyon corridors remain closed to hiking and camping under the updated order. There is no picnic or trailhead access within Pecos Canyon, and the following recreation sites remain closed under today’s order:

• Jacks Creek, Iron Gate, Panchuela, Cowles, Holy Ghost, Field Tract, El Porvenir and EV Long Campgrounds
• Davis Willow and Dalton Dispersed Campgrounds
• Dalton, Oak Flats and Baker Flats Picnic Sites

The closure order and map are posted on the SFNF website, and copies are available at SFNF headquarters and the Pecos and Las Vegas Ranger Stations. For additional information, please contact the Pecos office at 505-757-6121 or the Las Vegas office at 505-425-3534. All current closure orders are posted on the Alerts and Notices page of the website.