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Valle Vidal Annual Closures
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Map of annual closures. View the PDF version for the map legend.(Forest Service image.)Each year, portions of the Valle Vidal close for the protection of one of New Mexico’s largest elk herds.
- The east side closes January 1 and reopens April 1 to protect wintering habitat. The closure includes Cimarron Campground, McCrystal Campground, and Shuree Ponds.
- Then the west side closes May 1 and reopens July 1 to protect elk during calving season.
Forest Service roads 1900, 1910, and 1950 remain open during the closures.
These actions are required by the forest’s land management plan to support self-sustaining animal populations in the Valle Vidal.
Alert Start Date: March 25, 2026
Alert End Date: July 1, 2030
Order Number: 03-02-07-26-10
Contact Information
Contact Number: 575-758-6200
Contact Email: mailroom_r3_carson@usda.gov
Associated Documents
Forest Order
Prohibition of entering or being upon the restricted area during certain times of the year.