Latest Post 2019 Camping…
La Cueva, Jemez Mountains, New Mexico
Elevation 7890 ft
Winter Snow, Summer Perfect
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***This is for the anglers among you. Effective Monday, March 13th, Fenton Lake is now closed to all fishing. The ice is too thin to safely ice fish and there is no open water to fish from the bank or boat. When the ice does come off, fishing will be fabulous. We are two or three weeks away from that. JemezCentral will keep you posted and up to date.
Additionally, the creeks and rivers are mostly covered in ice still, or if free of ice, running high and discolored with spring run-off. Look for run-off to continue well into April. The Rio Cebolla above the lake is usually your best option this time of year.
Just be aware that it is going to be pretty tough fishing in the Jemez for awhile.
***Please be aware that although it is March and spring may be busting out at lower elevations, it is not so much the case here in the Jemez.
Please do not be tempted to bring your tents, trailers or motor homes to the mountains just yet. We have had a wonderful snow season, so there is much snow and mud to deal with. Other than Vista Linda Campground located south of Jemez Springs, all forest service campgrounds will remain closed until May. Forest service roads will remain closed until mid-April. There are some opportunities for day use…some hiking and hot springs.
***Wood permits will be available mid-April.
***Important Forest Road Update***
Most forest roads within the SFNF-Jemez Ranger District will remain closed until mid-April. Hwy 126 between La Cueva and Cuba is impassable and will remain so through April.
For up-to-date fire information …https://nmfireinfo.com/
Rain Yesterday… .22
Year To Date… 1.62
Rain Total 2022…21.50
Rain Total 2021… 11.71
Rain Total 2020…8.68
Rain Total 2019…14.70
Rain Total 2018…15.81
Rain Total 2017…11.73″
Rain Total 2016…12.05″
Rain Total 2015… 20.90″
Snow Yesterday… 0
Season To Date… 115″
Snow Total 2021/22…67″
Snow Total 2020/21…80″
Snow Total 2019/20…66″
Snow Total 2018/19…110″
Snow Total 2017/18…35″
Snow Total 2016/17…96″
Snow Total 2015/16…97″
Snow Total 2014/15…85″
Snow Total 2013/14…26″
SnowTotal2012/13…76″
Snow Total 2011/12…96″
Snow Total 2010/11…98″

Rachel Larson Shows Off a New Sweatshirt from Amanda’s…New Designs and Colors in Stock Now
Yesterday’s High… 49
This Morning’s Low… 28
Today… Mostly Cloudy
*****Spring Camping Opportunities*****Please do not bring your camping gear to the Jemez until mid-April as the forest roads for dispersed camping will remain closed until then. Forest service campgrounds will remain closed until May, the only exception being Vista Linda Campground south of the Village of Jemez Springs which is open year around on a first come first served basis. Amanda’s Jemez Mountain Country Store is open 363 1/2 days a year…closing on Christmas Day and a half day on Thanksgiving. Our winter hours are 8:30 am to 6:30 pm every day.
*****CURRENT FIRE DANGER*****MODERATE——————————- There are currently no fire restrictions.
*****CAMPGROUND RESERVATIONS***** You may reserve campground space (when available) at both Jemez Falls and San Antonio Campgrounds at the following webpage: https:/reserveamerica.gov
*****WATER ALERT***** If you are planning to camp the Jemez any time of the year, please fill up your water tanks in your campers and RVs prior to coming to the Jemez. There are limited opportunities here in the Jemez.
*****THE NEW LICENSE YEAR***** will begin on April 1, 2023. Licenses will be available for purchase the last week of March from Amanda’s, all license vendors or on-line. A new fishing license is required to fish in the State of New Mexico. License fees will remain the same as last year… $40 for an adult resident and $16 for a junior (age 12-17) resident. Kids (11 and under) fish free as do adults over the age of 70. There is a senior license for those age 65-69 for $23. All fees listed above include the required habitat stamps. NMDGF is now offering discounted licenses for New Mexico resident veterans and active duty military. Licenses are available at Amanda’s Jemez Mountain Country Store or you can purchase your license online at http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/. Amanda’s also stocks a full line of bait and tackle.
*****ROAD CONDITIONS***** State Hwy 126 remains closed and dangerous due to and abundance of snow and ice. There is eight miles of unpaved highway in the middle of 40 mile journey to Cuba to the west that can be difficult when wet or snow packed. Use caution.
*****CAMPGROUNDS***** Campgrounds are open as follows.
Vista Linda Campground…OPEN.
Redondo Campground…CLOSED.
Jemez Falls Campground…CLOSED.
San Antonio Campground…CLOSED.
Paliza Campground.…CLOSED.
Fenton Lake State Park…Camping Loops CLOSED.
Spanish Queen Picnic Area….OPEN, Battleship Rock Picnic Area…CLOSED, La Cueva Picnic Area…CLOSED, Jemez Falls Picnic Area….CLOSED, Spence Hot Spring Access and Parking Area…OPEN, Dark Canyon Fishing Access….OPEN, Rincon Fishing Access….Open, River’s Bend Fishing Access…OPEN, Las Casitas Fishing Access…OPEN, The Bluffs Fishing Access…OPEN, San Diego Fishing Access…OPEN, La Junta Fishing Access…OPEN. Trails….Forest Service Trailhead Parking areas Las Conchas and East Fork Trail 137….OPEN.
*****FIRE RESTRICTIONS***** There are currently no fire restrictions within the Santa Fe National Forest, Jemez Ranger District. Fire danger is rated as MODERATE.
*****AMANDA’S***** Amanda’s Jemez Mountain Country Store, located at the junction of Hwy 4 and 126 (the turnoff to Fenton Lake), is open from 8:30am till 6:30 pm every day. (Winter hours)