Warm days are causing the snow to rapidly melt away and it is feeling like we are in the middle of the spring thaw - what happened to winter?

Many of us are planning to get together on Saturday, January 21st to go see the Movie "Haywire" in Albuquerque at Century 24 theaters and then that evening go out dancing at the Dirty Bourbon. If you decide to go to the Dirty Bourbon please plan to be there no later than 8pm as it fills up fast - and we like to go early so people can get back home at a reasonable hour It's a great way to kick off the new year! See you there!

http://haywiremovie.com/

Warm days are causing the snow to rapidly melt away and it is feeling like we are in the middle of the spring thaw - what happened to winter?

Many of us are planning to get together on Saturday, January 21st to go see the Movie "Haywire" in Albuquerque at Century 24 theaters and then that evening go out dancing at the Dirty Bourbon. If you decide to go to the Dirty Bourbon please plan to be there no later than 8pm as it fills up fast - and we like to go early so people can get back home at a reasonable hour It's a great way to kick off the new year! See you there!

http://haywiremovie.com/

Set the dates:

December 3rd - If anyone is thinking to go to the mountains to cut their own tree... We are planning a group tree cutting party in the Pecos, provided the weather is good!

January 2012 - We are planning to go as a group to the opening of the movie "Haywire" in Albuquerque since the Santa Fe theaters probably won't hold all the wild mountain people!

Mid January 2012 - We are also planning to go out dancing in Albuquerque and being there early ie 7pm so everyone can drive home later.

The days here are beautiful and the evenings are cool with frost come morning. There is snow on all the peaks and if you are into photography - we have had some beautiful sunrise and sunsets with the peaks glowing pink to golden to orange.

The horses are grazing up high on Scotty Rice's pasture and trying not to mess up the deer hunting. The store is officially closed and we are cleaning and storing equipment for next year's season.

There are two horses and a mule with a halter on who were lost by hunters on Valle Largo/ Valle Medio and if found please notify the Forest Service. 757-6121 If you have the means please take them to the nearest main road and tie them up there so they may be easily accessed.

We have discovered that the guys installing the guard rails did a pretty good job in an attempt to give as much room on the road from Mora to Cowles as possible and there are really only two places where it's pretty tight. One is in the first 1/2 mile from Mora up and the second is just south of the Iron Gate turn off.

Have an great Halloween everyone!

We have once more come to the end of the hunt season and are closing the store this weekend as well as putting our horses on vacation status. We hope to take our neighbor up on his kind offer to pasture the horses for a few months on the mountain before moving them down to Pecos and feeding them through the winter. We are cutting the horse string back to 6 or 7 horses so please plan to book rides, drop camps, and pack trips in advance as space will be limited next year.

Brandy got a 6x6 bull elk on the last rifle hunt. The South Carolina boys each got a bull elk ranging from a 3x4 to 5x5's. While the Muzzleloader hunters had a very hard hunt as we received 18 inches of snow in the high country which caused the elk to change their range drastically. The drop camps each got one 5x6 bull and lastly the deer hunt was successful with Heath's buck still in velvet. Pictures of all the elk and deer are posted to the facebook "hunt" photo album.

The weather is once again in the process of changing from mild sunny weather to bitterly cold and windy with snow expected Wednesday from the 7,000 ft elevation and above. This should make the last days of deer and elk season a tough hunt as the animals are very jumpy when they can't accurately sense danger.

The guard rails along Hwy 63 from Mora to Cowles are looking pretty nice (pictures later today on facebook) although the verdict is still out on how easily they will be to navigate.

As many know, Toby Tanuz (He had a home on Grass Mountain) passed away this past weekend due to pancreatic cancer complications and his Rosary as well as Mass will be held at Our Lady of Nativity Church in Albuquerque - 4th and Alameda Streets. The rosary is on Wednesday 10/26 at 7pm and the mass is on Thursday 10/27 at 9am. Our sympathy goes out to the family at this time - He will be sorely missed.

The store will be closed as of October 31st for the season and will reopen again come May 1st 2012.

Please make sure to get your hunting and fishing licenses before coming up in either Albuquerque or Santa Fe as we are told Pecos is still out of licenses.

Thank you and we will see you in the new year!

The road above Mora to Cowles is presently being shored up by the State highway Dept. in places where it was being undercut. Guard rails are also being placed along this section of road. Trailers over 20 feet should be aware that this will dramatically narrow the road and the areas where you once squeezed passed another vehicle may no longer exsist. Once they are finished we will let you know the extent of the narrowing in regards to our 26 foot gooseneck horsetrailer.

The days are simply gorgeous and warm in the low 70's with the nights in the low 30's. We still have about 6 inches of snow above 10,500 feet in elevation and the trails are muddy with a LOT of trees down due to the wind and snowfall. The peaks are all still snow covered making for beautiful pictures.

We had hoped that the bees/hornets were frozen out but yesterday and today we have run into them at various nests.

Muzzleloader Elk season has closed as of today. The quota for Bear season has been met and the bear season is now closed. The first rifle hunt for Elk opens on Saturday with many of the hunters arriving in the next couple of days. Good luck to all.

Last night at 10,500+ elevation we saw 12 to 18 inches of snow and 17 degrees. It's made for some beautiful photos!

Tererro only saw about 2 inches of snow, 20 degrees, and already most of that has melted away however tonight is going to be VERY cold with the cloud cover moving out.

Next week it's supposed to warm back up and be in the low 70's during the day.

?10, 500 eleveation + saw snow today and .65 inches of rain last night and into this morning elsewhere in the Pecos. It's a cold night! Last we saw of some of our drop camp hunters were deciding where the sun is most likely to hit their camp the most! *grin*

Please be aware that there has been a suspecious vehicle - maroon 4 door car - canvasing the canyon. It is strongly suspected they may be up to no good. If seen please notify State Police as to their location.

From last night to today it has rained .55 inches with reports of snow up on the high peaks of the wilderness.

Currrently the rain is pouring sheets and buckets!The weather report is rain early tomorrow and a showers expected Friday with it clearing out for the weekend. Partly cloudy thoughout the following week.

Again the lows are 20's to low 30's in the wilderness as well as highs being 60's and low 70's. So dress warmly and plan for wet and cold weather.

Good luck to everyone hunting!

The hunts have begun and therefore any updates etc will now occur about every 7 days, give or take a day or two - ie if the hunters get an elk early you will hear from me sooneer rather than later.

If you are curious as to what a buggling elk sounds like here is a great video showing various elk and the sounds they make:(It is the neatest thing to hear in the wilderness!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKnqLGED9SQ&feature=related

The last three days it's been frost on the ground - and yet STILL the bees live if a bit slower ie can pass them in the morning and hit 'em in the afternoon.

The days have been absolutely lovely up here! Sunny skies with a touch of clouds and as yesterday a very brief misting rain.

The colors are turning and should be in full display come about October 1st.

The bull elk have been spotted EVERYWHERE and best of all for the last few days they have been buggling -sounds like a whale's call if you've never heard it.

You just couldn't ask for a better time of year!

The weather today was very nice with sun and fluffy clouds. Expect very cool evenings with low 40 degree temps and daytime highs in the low 70's.

Many of the bow hunting drop camps are coming out of the wilderness early due to the past week of rain, wind, freezing temps and lack of buggling elk. They are some seriously chilled and exhausted hunters.

The elk have just begun buggling in the last two days and we are starting to see a few come out of the high country - congrats to those hardy bow hunters.

The Erhmans have cleared the trail from Jacks Creek up to Truchas 257 to 264 as well as 254 the Winsor trail.
A Trail crew in conjunction with the Froest Service is clearing and re-opening the Trampas Trail out of Mora Flats currently (it's been closed since the 2001 Trampas Fire)

The fishing is as always excellant on the Padre River and in the Pecos Box south of Beatty's Flats. Mora River is slowly coming back and the Valdez is thriving. Pecos Baldy lake is presently a bust since the lake has a leak in the dam and it may have froze out last winter. Katherine, Johnson, Truchas and Stewart lakes are still stocked with fish and they are biting on grasshoppers and crickets.

The hummingbirds are calling it quits and with this rain and colder weather I can't blame them! So while we still have a few and have yet to see the Calliope come in - it's slim pickens.

The Cowles Ponds have been drained once again! This time in preparation for dredging the larger pond. Since the smaller kid's pond drains into the larger one this meant turning the water and essentially draining both. Hopefully the bottom won't be punctured like the upper kid's ponds was - otherwise it will be a longer waiting period as they try to seal it again.

There has been speculation that the movie filmed here at Tererro has come out etc etc. The most recent developement for the movie "Haywire" is that the official trailer is out starring Strikeforce fighter Gina Carano. The movie will air on January 2012. Also starring are Micheal Douglas, antonio Banderas, Ewan McGregor, Bill Paxton and Channing Tatum."Haywire" focuses on freelance covert operative Mallory Kane (Carano) who is double crossed by her handlers. She then must allude an international manhunt and return to the U.S. to protect her family and enact revenge. --- remember you MUST be there for the first ten minutes to see TERERRO - provided it didn't end up on the cutting room floor!

It was a layering type of day....(prime example of the weather lately)
Today was a steady rain until about 11am then while at Pecos Baldy unpacking I had to get out the hand warmers and baclava then the sun came out! So coming back down I started shedding cloths until I reached our pasture on Grass Mtn. at which point my day was over and I was shimmying out of the long underware too!
.....So plan for all things when you come up camping etc!

The store is now open from 8am until 2pm daily. The year is winding down to just the hunting season so please be aware you also need to call at least a week in advance at this time of year to book rides as we may be in on hunts or doing drop camps.

The little bird dog pictured on the dog days has been reclaimed by it's owners. However the little heeler is still wandering the campground at Mora and although people are feeding it no one can catch it.

Saturday and Sunday saw .65 inches of rain and at over 10K elevation there was an inch of snow. This evening a bit more rain is falling. You will now need a medium to heavy jacket for the evenings, a bundle of wood and a pretty good bedroll at night and someone (other than a hungry bear or racoon) to cuddle up with.

Please also be aware that Iron Gate Road 223 is seriously pot holed and dangerous for low clearance vehicles and perhaps not even suitable for horse trailers. It is time to revisit the issue of getting this road maintained by the Forest Service as well as perhaps some input on how to obtain money and donated time/equipment to at least fill these holes and erroded canals with river rock and gravel. Please see discussion on facebook.

There was snow at 10,000 feet today! Pecos Baldy and Truchas were completely white and covered in clouds - see the facebook "Fall 2011" photos. BRRRRR!

There is a lost "Heeler" that is white with small black ticking and black ears who has been in the canyon since June and is presently at Mora Campground - Campers are feeding this dog so it is in good shape however no one can catch it so if you know to whom this dog belongs please let me know or tell them where the dog is -I will try to get photos on facebook of it soon.

Please look at the last three photos of the "Dog Days" photo album on facebook - this is a little bird dog we found up on the Larkspur Trail coming out of Beatty's Flats - if you know to whom he belongs please let me know. He was without a collar or tags. Presently he's borrowing Private's collar. And if you know Private he is strongly suggesting that someone come claim this dog...he never planned on sharing his mother's attention... EVER!

We have received .92 inches of rain and it's still coming down in a steady drizzle - we are socked in!

The teperatures have dropped considerably. It's sweatshirt weather during the day and jackets at night. Snow is expected in the upper elevations of the Pecos Wilderness tonight - I am putting on the electric blanket and digging out my winter hunting gear!

We are predominately doing drop camps for the hunters going in on the archery hunts and day rides so please call to check availability of horses over thenext couple of weeks.

Happy Labor Day Weekend to everyone! We hope you are enjoying the holiday to it's fullest.

Campers are slowly trickling into the canyon and although many of the large campgrounds such as Mora are full the smaller campgrounds ie. Davis Willow and undesignated campsites along the roads and up Elk Mtn. (Davis Willow road) and Iron Gate are still open.

There have been brief afternoon showers predominately up in the wilderness - the forecast is for heavy rain on Sunday and clearing out with brief showers on Monday.

Everyone has been asking for me to photograph mushrooms and I have done so however facebook for whatever reason refuses to upload them. I will try to get this done before I leave tomorrow on the women's packtrip. If not I will hopefully manage to upload them on Tuesday when I get back. Suffice to say for the mushroom hunter - predominately the most mushrooms are found currently north of Jacks Creek on the Pecos Baldy Trail, along the game trails of Elk Mountain and along the road and trails of Grass Mountain.

Archery Season for Deer and Elk is now open as well as Grouse season. The archery hunters will most likely be in camo colors and carrying a bow while the grouse hunters may be in orange carrying a shot gun or pistol and walking with a dog or two. Bear season is still ongoing however during the archery season they cannot be hunted with dogs.

Come in and see us when you all come up!

.61 inches of rain last night. Currently blue skies with whispy clouds so expecting more rain this afternoon. Was very cool this morning with high humidity. Very muddy trails this morning.

A large hornets nest was disturbed by Huie in the Cowles Meadow north of the kiosk and restrooms. So to hit the Winsor/Stewart trail go up the road and take the trail where it crosses the Panchuela road to avoid these bees.

We had a very intense lightening storm last night and it's been followed by a steady rain with lots of clouds and fog with no sign of a let up in the near future. Therefore the reading from the rain gauge will be a bit later...when we locate the goloshes and umbrella! This may take a while!

Found the required equipment to check the gage....
1.35 inches of rain last night and early this morning - haven't checked it this evening! Supposed to have 50% chance of more rain tomorrow!

I have been meaning to post that Holy Ghost is now open complete with camp host!

All current and new photos of the campgrounds etc are posted to the facebook page so friend us if you get a chance!

A woman at Jacks Creek had a horse rear up and strike her with a hoof to the head. She was air lifted out and was reported as concious and talking - we sincerely hope she makes a full recovery.

If you didn't know it you'd think we were in New Zealand....lush and green everywhere! It's rained since last night until ... well it's STILL raining this drizzly rain. You can still do things in it but after a while you realize "Hey! I am getting wet!" So far .9 inches and counting!

The teens made it in to Jacks Creek and are safe and sound.

Last night and tonight we had .42 inches of rain. If you plan to camp in a tent bring a tarp and shovel as we are receiving rain about every afternoon.

It is VERY dark over the wilderness and a doozy of a rain is expected late this evening.

Pecos is out of fishing licenses and so everyone is coming up to Tererro to get them - we do have them and are in no danger of running out - Our hours are 8am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday!

Two teens are missing in the Pecos Wilderness - both are boys 16 and 19 who left Their parent's camp yesterday on horseback and haven't been seen since - if anyone sees or hears of them PLEASE notify their very worried parents at Jack's Crek Camp Ground - or Delfert the camp host there. Thanks!

Had another .26 inches of rain last night so we are quite wet up here - overcaste with light cloud cover - Sweatshirt weather for all you Texans who've forgotten what that means that's about 67 degrees here today! *wicked grin* I won't be layin'out in the sun but I won't be sweatin' either! Light hail/popcorn snow was reported at Jacks Creek.

For everyone that knows Sherry - she went on a Birthday motocycle ride with Huie and this morning called to inform me that she's broken her BIG TOE! She got her foot caught between the motocycle and the curb while getting off, she fell over and voila - it's big men's tennis shoes for her and no cute biker chic boots! I am sure you all can come up with great ways to rub this in! *wicked grin* Happy Birthday Auntie!

.27 inchesof rain - came down today in a steady drizzle. It's been cool and overcaste all day.

If you are headed into Beattys' from Jacks Creek the lower river trail which drops right into the head of the Pecos Box (south end of Beatty's flats) has bees on it as you hit the shale just north of the spring. If leaving Beatty's and going up onto Hamilton just south of the drift fence as you enter the first opening of aspen there are bees in the trail.

Again at the round spring (wood covered -though the cover has been laid aside now) just south of that as you go through the trees are bees and then about 1000 yards later there is another set of bees. So do be careful!

Today it clouded up and looked quite black in the wilderness but the clouds just moved on out and there was no rain but it made for a nice cool day.

Bear season is due to open so if you see a hound running about LEAVE IT ALONE! It is doing it's job and doesn't need any assistance (interference) Most have tracking collars on them anyway so the hunter can locate them.

It was a packed weekend with most of the campers coming in Saturday morning and leaving this evening. Saw quite a few large horse trailers headed to Jacks Creek Campground today.

?.07 inches of rain yesterday - today very hot and dry.

Small lightening fire this afternoon on the ridge just north of Tererro between the Pecos and Holy Ghost - a woman dirt biking on Davis Willow/Elk Mountain road spotted it. The Forest Service was on it pretty quick. We are pretty wet so it wasn't a great cause for alarm.

The camp grounds are filling up fast for this weekend and many have brought in their campers to hold their spots. Holy Ghost Campground is still closed but the rest are open and there are NO fire restrictions.

The horses will be back on Sunday afternoon and available for 1 hour rides, after 1pm.

Overcaste off and on today with light rain .04 inches this morning. More is predicted this evening and the clouds are building but appear that they will hold this evening.

Mr.Paiz caught a 22 1/2 inch rainbow trout that weighed in at 3lbs 1.4 oz at Windy Bridge on red salmon eggs.The hatchery has stocked the upper Pecos River in the last two days.

.33 inches of rain was received this evening at Tererro and light drizzle continues into the night.

All hikers and riders should be especially aware that the ground bees are out - these are the bees that typically reside in the ground on or near the trails - usually the first few people or horses make it through and the last 4 or 7 get stung. The bees currently known are just prior to the first spring on the Hamilton Mesa Trail 249 ie as you enter the trees jsut prior to popping out on the round wooden covered spring. The second is on the north end of the Loma (huge meadow above the Valdez river) when enroute to Pecos Falls again on trail 249. If on horses let them run on through and don't hold them up as these bees are mad and looking for something to sting.

No rain to speak of the last two days so things are drying out a bit. I am told it is still very much cooler here than in Albuquerque. And frankly the nights are seriously cool as are the early mornings. Not shorts weather until about 9am.

Fishing is still good although the fish are now making you work for it since people have been on the river supplying them with a steady worm and salmon egg diet.

The trail from Beatty's along the padre river has been completely cleared the likes of which hasn't been seen in over 4 years so do get out and enjoy it!

Truchas from Pecos Baldy is in the process of getting better signage etc. thanks again to the Erhmens.

The sign post west of Pecos Falls on the Gascon Trail is down so please be aware of your location and sense of direction when you get there.

Tuesday and Wendesday's rain total (most received Tuesday night) is 1.25 inches. It is very muddy in the high country. People planning on riding or hiking in the wilderness should plan to bring waterproof boots and rain slickers.

Just in case it is too far down in the blogs - the forest and wilderness are wide open with no restrictions ie you CAN have campfires.... and don't forget the smores! Yumm!

Rain total for Saturday and Sunday is .75 inches
It is very muddy up here and various areas have experienced hail.

If anyone knows of horse pasture for rent or lease within a 13 hour radius from us ie as far as Eastern Oklahoma PLEASE let us know! The pasture in Wheeler, TX burned in the spring and given the drought hasn't grown any grass so we need a place to keep 12 head of horses from November to Mid May. Thanks for any leads you might have.

Many people have commented on the blog and unfortunately there is a link broken which presently won't show the comment once approved so until we get that resolved I am saving them and will get them up at a later date.

Lastly I will be in the wilderness from August 1st until the 3rd and then again from August 4th to the 7th. So check in on the 3rd and 7th in the evening for updates and new pictures on facebook!

It is recommended that you have 4 wheel drive to get into the following campgrounds: Tererro, Davis/ Willow and Iron Gate all of these roads are very soft and muddy!

Rain Thursday was .4 inches and it is already sprinkling this morning in Pecos, with strong indication of mid morning to afternoon rains expected here.

We are now booked for horses from the 1st of August until August 7th ; August 8th through the 10th I can only do short rides ie 1,2,3 hours ; August 11 to the 13th I am now also fully booked. So if you want to get a ride in please call ASAP 505-757-6193 Don't forget your coupon and come on up!

The fish are thick and biting on anything and everything - here by the store my two nephews (age 4 and 6) have been having excellant luck fishing (it's privateland here but we open it to the public) and those they don't catch they can at least watch jumping in the evenings about 6 pm. The fish aren't even bothered by the dog and the kids playing in the water - they STILL jump on the hooks!

It is pouring buckets of rain right now! For those coming camping the mornings are cool - need a sweatshirt until about 9am then it's t-shirt and shorts weather. The afternoons are pants and sweatshirts again as it typically is raining every afternoon. The rain quits in the evening about 3 to 4 pm and then it is fabulous fishing weather. The nights are what we would call "two blanket nights" ie need two to sleep comfy! Or someone to snuggle with in that bedroll!

The estimated open date for Holy Ghost Camp Ground is August 12th however I will keep you posted on this as there may be some delays.

For those inquiring: The Cowles Ponds are back in business and looking pretty nice so make sure you plan on the kiddos fishing when they come up!

Another canyon update! The gates to places like Jack's Creek, Iron Gate Campground, Holy Ghost, Winsor, Davis/ Willow Creek (Elk Mountain) will be swinging open on Friday and the Forest Service has said they will not throw anyone out if they come in on Friday.

The word just came down from Steve Romero at the Forest Service - The Pecos AREA district will be OPEN SATURDAY. This means Pecos Wilderness and Pecos Canyon - campgrounds etc. SEE EVERYONE SATURDAY!!!!

For information on Pecos restaurants and businesses please see www.pecosnewmexico.com

Great work everyone putting the pressure on to open the forest (hope she follows through):

Eric Roybal wrote "I just spoke to Maria Garcia and she says they are in the process of writing a new closure order which will open the Pecos/Las Vegas ranger district, so it should be open by Friday!"

Rain so far this morning is .12 inches

Great work everyone putting the pressure on to open the forest (hope she follows through):

Eric Roybal wrote "I just spoke to Maria Garcia and she says they are in the process of writing a new closure order which will open the Pecos/Las Vegas ranger district, so it should be open by Friday!"

Rain so far this morning is .12 inches

Great work everyone putting the pressure on to open the forest (hope she follows through):

Eric Roybal wrote "I just spoke to Maria Garcia and she says they are in the process of writing a new closure order which will open the Pecos/Las Vegas ranger district, so it should be open by Friday!"

Rain so far today is .12 inches.

The forest is to remain in closure - Wednesday is the next scheduled meeting and hopefully they will make a decision to open up on Friday.

Attached are the various numbers and persons to whom you need to PLEASE speak to, email or write to see that we get this forest open SOON!

Pecos Ranger Station - Steve Romero 505-757-6121

Maria T. Garcia Office Hours:8:00am - 4:30pm Send postal mail to:11 Forest Lane
Santa Fe, NM 87508 Phone: (505) 438-5300 - Main Fax: (505) 438-5391

Saturday we received .65 inches of rain and today looks VERY promising for another cloud burst. The rains have been steady every afternoon so perhaps we are in the monsoons FINALLY!

Again check back with us come Monday for any updates on the closure.

Well unfortunately for Tererro the rain missed us ie only .02 received today however both above and at Pecos they received a good rain and the river is running high and swift tonight.

Hopefully the rain elsewhere will facilitate the opening of the forest.

Thusday .27 inches of rain
Friday .2 inches of rain

Need a bit more over the weekend and hopefully come Monday the re-evaluation meeting will go well and we can reopen the forest with or without restrictions.

Wedensday received .4 inches of rain however it rained here at the store for about 15 minutes before anywhere else. Essentially by all reports there was light rain below us from Dalton up - none in Pecos, and light rain above us into the wilderness - the rain briefly raised the river 4 inches.

Based on the Re-evaluation meeting the forest is to remain in clusre another week and will be re-evaluated then.

HWY 63 is open to Cowles however you cannot hike, ride or fish anywhere off the road due to the closure.

The store is still open and the hummingbirds are present so do come up if only to sit on the front porch and enjoy the hummingbirds and some ice cream.

The foret reevaluation meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 18th however given that we haven't had any rain to speak of since the last reevaluation meeting we are pretty confident in stating that the forest is sure to remain in closure for at least another week if not longer.

However if this changes I will be sure to post it immediately!

You CAN drive up and sit on the front porch of the store during this time and watch the hummingbirds who are quite active due to the juveniles flying about now. The best times for viewing are 8am to 9am or 5pm to 8Pm.

For the last three days we haven't had rain although the clouds have built dramatically each day. Today we may be in for some late evening showers but presently the clouds keep moving off and over towards taos.

Hwy 63 is open however the forest is still closed to hiking, fishing, camping, horseback riding etc.

The forest etc. will remain in closure. The Closure will be reevaluated on Monday,July 18th, 2011.

I will be cancelling rides out to July 19th.

Thank you for your support and understanding.

Steve Romero of the Pecos District Forest Service and STILL has not heard back from the Forest Supervisor who is STILL mulling the decision to open or not open the Pecos Canyon. We now have until 5pm this evening or noon tomorrow as a possible time of notification.

Again any updates will be posted as soon as we know! Think good thoughts!

The roadblock is no longer manned and we are supposed to get word after the 10:30 meeting toay as to what parts if any of the forest wilderness or Hwy 63 corridor may be opened. So please DO check back!

To date we have had .830 inches of rain the forest and wilderness are scheduled to remain in closure until we have had at least two heavy days of rain preferably this week.

The closure will again be reevaluated later in the week however currently please remember there is a roadblock in place at Dalton and you MUSt ahve a permit to access Hwy 63 properies above that. This permit is only available to private land owners and guest of private land owners.

Yesterday we had .005 inches of rain.Today we've had .2 Inches of rain - to date we have had .805 inches of rain. Still not enough to open the canyon but the forcaste is for 20% chance of rain Today and tomorrow with a 50% chance on Saturday and Sunday.

The roadblock is enforced 24/7 by State Police and Pecos Canyon Fire Dept. with Game and Fish as well as Forest Service assissting.

You now have to obtain a permit from The Pecos Canyon Fire Chief - Huie Ley - 505-757-6193 - This permit is person specific ie it MUST match your driver's license. Permits are only distributed to persons with Private Property in the canyon or guest of persons with private property at the owners request.

We are currently receiving a very small sprinkling of rain.

Unfortunately July 4th and 5th did not produce any rainshowers and it has been determined that the forest will remain in closure until the issue is readdressed by the Fire Dept, Forest Service, Game and Fish and the State Police sometime after the 11th of July.

Currently no rain is expected in the immediate future.

Rides which were scheduled for up until the 13th have been cancelled. We sincerely hope we don't have to cancel any past that date but will notify you a week prior to your scheduled ride if the forest doesn't open up. Thank you for your prayers and support.

Wishing everyone a very Happy and Safe 4th of July!

Over the last three days we have received a total of .6 inches of Rain - hopefully this keeps up for the next five days at least!

The rain began as a light drizzle with a lot of lightening and thunder however 30 minutes later it has progressed to a heavy downpour which we hope will continue throughout the night.

The closure unfortunately will be in effect until we have about a weeks worth of rain but any moisture is appreciated.

Remember that Hwy 63 ie the road from Pecos to Jacks Creek is now closed at Dalton Canyon.

The wind changed direction today and the smoke was extremely heavy in the Pecos canyon from both the Pacheco and Los Alamos fires.

This blockade is expected to remain in place throughout the holiday weekend and may be extended the duration of the forest closure.

Closure Update: The Stage 4 closure has been moved back to Friday, July 1st at 7am so that various agencies can coordinate information, signage can be posted and the media notified.

The Fire at the head of Dalton Canyon has 100% containment - Thanks to everyone out there!

There is what is believed to be a lightening caused fire at the very head of Dalton Canyon nearer to Santa Fe and slurry bombers have already been called in on it.

As I write this we are experiencing a very light rain fall which although not much it is dearly welcomed.

There will be a road block at Dalton Canyon manned by the Fire Dept and State Police turning people around once we go into Stage 4 restrictions.

Only persons with private land or permission letters from private land owners will be allowed access.

We are going to stage 4 complete closure at 7:00 AM Tuesday 6-28-11. This means that everyone except private landowners must evacuate. Most resources are being pulled for the Conchas Fire in Los Alamos.

We have now gone to forest closure on the Pecos and ONLY the following Forest Service areas are open with Stage II restrictions in place: Jacks Creek, Cowles and Field Tract campgrounds.

Day use areas OPEN are: Dalton, Windy Bridge, and Jamie Koch

The following Game and Fish Campgrounds are OPEN: Mora, Tererro, and Bert Clancey Campgrounds.

Cabin owners/leasees are restricted to their property and must have exemption letters to access their land from the forest service ranger station: Steve Romero 505-757-6121

People cannot leave the footprint of the campground or day use areas, no campfires, no propane grills, no lanterns, NO OPEN FLAMES. Everything else is closed!Notice the areas listed above are the only areas in which people can be in PERIOD!

Again this means no hiking, trail riding etc. outside of the campground.

Fishing is allowed only within the Game and Fish campground facilities.

Anyone violating these restrictions may face hefty fines. State Police, Pecos Canyon Fire Dept. as well as the Forest Service and Game & Fish Personnel are patrolling the area.

Update on forest closures: As of Friday June 24th the Santa Fe National forest will go to partial closure - The wilderness and undeveloped (dispersed) camping will be closed - developed campsites such as Jacks Creek and Field Track will remain open.

Trail heads temporarily closed due to the fire in the Santa Fe Ski Basin called the Pacheco fire:
Holy ghost
Cowles
Windsor
Panchuela
Jacks Creek

Trail heads still open are:
Iron Gate
Mora
Elk Mountain

Smoke from this fire is blowing to the north east and it is still clear in the Pecos Canyon.

Fishing is at it's peak - the river has been stocked recently on three seperate occasions and fishermen are loving it. Salmon eggs and every fly seems to be catching a fish so no one in particular to recommend at this time.

There is a fire currently burning on the west side of the Santa Fe National Forest - near the ski basin. It is currently not expected to affect the Pecos Canyon however the forest service already had plans in place to meet Monday to discuss possible closure of various aspects of the forest and or wilderness. For updates on closures please call the Pecos Ranger District at (505) 757-6121 And as usual we will keep you posted as we are updated

The Forest Service will be going to Stage 2 fire restrictions as of June 10th Friday - this means absolutely no campfires in the campgrounds, forest or the wilderness.

Game and Fish has already gone to no camp fires in any of their campgrounds.

Weather: Hot, Dry and Windy - Excellant for camping and fishing!

We have been informed by the forest service that their press release wasn't clear enough ie camp fires are ONLY allowed in PAID camping areas where there is a designated campfire ring and out house facilities. The paid Camping bit is missing in the press release.

Game and Fish Campsites which allow fires have DESIGNATED METAL campfire rings - all others without these rings are not allowed.


Trails:
Pecos Baldy is passable but not completely cleared. Johnson, Katherine and much of the west side is cleared thanks to the Ehrmans. The LarkSpur Trail from Hamilton to Beatty's is passable but not completely cleared thanks to Eva. The Pecos Falls trail from both Beatty's and Hamilton is still log jammed. There is no report as yet regarding Mora.

Fishing:
The stone Fly hatch is out. Salmon eggs are working best for bait.

The Game and Fish Dept. as well as the State Police have made their presence known in the canyon so please Drive slowly and have your licenses!

Weather: Hot, Dry and Windy - Excellant for camping and fishing!

We have been informed by the forest service that their press release wasn't clear enough ie camp fires are ONLY allowed in PAID camping areas where there is a designated campfire ring and out house facilities. The paid Camping bit is missing in the press release.

Game and Fish Campsites which allow fires have DESIGNATED METAL campfire rings - all others without these rings are not allowed.


Trails:
Pecos Baldy is passable but not completely cleared. Johnson, Katherine and much of the west side is cleared thanks to the Ehrmans. The LarkSpur Trail from Hamilton to Beatty's is passable but not completely cleared thanks to Eva. The Pecos Falls trail from both Beatty's and Hamilton is still log jammed. There is no report as yet regarding Mora.

Fishing:
The stone Fly hatch is out. Salmon eggs are working best for bait.

The Game and Fish Dept. as well as the State Police have made their presence known in the canyon so please Drive slowly and have your licenses!

Bert Clancy now has designated camp "runs" large enough for RVs however they look like ski runs so bring something to level your casitas out with! This will limit camping so please be sure to get your spot early for Memorial weekend!

Update on the Tererro Camp Ground (west of the Store) The Game and Fish have created a nicely raised dirt road over the stream which runs from the cave to the river. Low clearance vehicles no longer have to worry about the large river rock that was placed there earlier.

Next week the US Forest Service plans to implament Stage 1 Fire Restrictions: Camp fires in fire rings in designated camp spots only, smoking allowed only in your vehicle, however the wilderness will remain wide open.

The Game and Fish Department just stocked the river with 10 to 12 inch trout and maintains this stocking schedule of every two weeks.

Bait currently working on the Pecos River are worms and the May Fly is beginning it's hatch and will be followed by the Stone Fly in two weeks so nymphs are the fly of choice.

Cowles Ponds are estimated to remain closed until the end of the year while work continues to dredge the algae and silt from them.

Weather conditions: Cold at night into the 30s and warming into the 70s during the day. The past few days have seen snow flurries, light rain, and wind.

Next week the US Forest Service plans to implament Stage 1 Fire Restrictions: Camp fires in fire rings in designated camp spots only, smoking allowed only in your vehicle, however the wilderness will remain wide open.

The Game and Fish Department just stocked the river with 10 to 12 inch trout and maintains this stocking schedule of every two weeks.

Bait currently working on the Pecos River are worms and the May Fly is beginning it's hatch and will be followed by the Stone Fly in two weeks so nymphs are the fly of choice.

Cowles Ponds are estimated to remain closed until the end of the year while work continues to dredge the algae and silt from them.

Weather conditions: Cold at night into the 30s and warming into the 70s during the day. The past few days have seen snow flurries, light rain, and wind.

It's spring in the mountains!

All Campgrounds are open except for Holy Ghost Campground which is still closed due to construction of outhouses - carried over from last year. Jack's Creek is fully functional with water available. Field Tract is also open and the camp host is in residence.

No fire restrictions are in place at this time.