Santa Fe Forest extends closure at Headquarters Well camping area

The Santa Fe National Forest announced on December 16, 2025 that the closure order affecting the Headquarters Well camping area in the Española Ranger District, first issued on June 21, 2024, will remain in place through 8 a.m. on December 31, 2026 unless rescinded. The order specifically prohibits camping and being present in the area after sundown and before sunrise. Restoration and rehabilitation activities are scheduled to occur while the closure is active.

Forest managers said the measure responds to ongoing damage from unauthorized long term camping, vandalism, and trash dumping that have degraded natural resources and visitor experience at the site. Law enforcement and authorized personnel are exempt from the closure. Exemptions include firefighters and organized rescue teams carrying out emergency or official duties. The announcement noted that prohibited activities and enforcement details will be implemented during the closure period.

For Los Alamos County residents and visitors who use nearby public lands, the decision narrows overnight recreation options in the Española Ranger District and signals an active management focus on repairing resource harm. Daylight access is restricted only by the prohibition on being present after sundown and before sunrise, though restoration work may limit access further while crews address damage and remove debris. Recreational users who formerly relied on Headquarters Well for camping will need to relocate to alternative authorized campgrounds or private lands.

The extension underscores the tension between public access and resource protection in national forests. Local emergency services will retain access as needed, but residents should expect increased enforcement of the closure and temporary field work in the area. Those seeking more information or clarification are advised to contact the Española Ranger District for updates on access, restoration schedules, and any changes to the closure status.