Just in the nick of time and over the last two weeks, the Jemez has received significant moisture. I think that we are “out of the woods” with regard to fire danger for the rest of this year. So….it is time to get “into the woods” and enjoy all that a moist, green, cool and inviting forest has to offer. Effective today (July 12th) at 8:00 am all fire restrictions were lifted within the Santa Fe National Forest-Jemez Ranger District. Campfires and charcoal grills are now allowed in all campgrounds and within the forest in dispersed camping situations. Campfires are a very important part of the camping experience but in spite of the moist condition of the forest, please enjoy responsibly. The weather forecast is perfect with a 20 to 30% chance of afternoon showers through the weekend and increasing chances next week. Load up Grandma and the kids and come on up.
Posts Tagged ‘forest’
Out Of The Woods….And Into The Woods
Thursday, July 12th, 2012July Fourth Forest Forecast
Friday, June 29th, 2012Conditions have changed….so I am modifying this post. (modified Tuesday July 3rd).
The rains have arrived and the forest closure has been postponed. As of now the forest is open. While we have received some rain, it is still very dry, and we are still under Stage II Fire Restrictions. All campgrounds and forest roads are open. No campfires or charcoal are allowed anywhere within the Santa Fe National Forest-Jemez Ranger District. Propane is ok in all campgrounds and picnic areas. Fenton Lake State Park remains open for camping and fishing. Rain is in the forecast for the next week or so. My recommendation now is to come on up and enjoy this 4th of July holiday in the Jemez.
Bear Springs Fire Has Little Effect On Jemez Recreation
Tuesday, June 5th, 2012The Bear Springs Fire was started by lightning and reported on Sunday June 3, 2012 at 6:36pm. The fire is located approximately 6 miles NE of Ponderosa and 6 miles SE of Jemez Springs. As of today (6/7) just over 622 acres had been consumed with 75% containment. Much of the new growth in acreage is because of strategic backburn operations. Some crews have been released today, and demobilization will continue as the fire winds down. Smoke will continue to be visable for several days as interior fuels burn out.
Forest Road 266 and Paliza Campground, both near Ponderosa have been closed. No other campgrounds or recreation areas within the Santa Fe National Forest, Jemez Ranger District are affected by this fire. San Antonio, Redondo and Jemez Falls Campground as well as Fenton Lake State Park are all open for camping. Stage I Fire restrictions are in place within all of Santa Fe National Forest.
Forest Service Campgrounds Set To Open
Friday, May 4th, 2012All Forest Service Campgrounds within the Santa Fe National Forest – Jemez Ranger District are scheduled to open Friday May 11th. This includes San Antonio Campground, Redondo, Jemez Falls, and Paliza Campgrounds. All campgrounds will have camp hosts and will be first come first served. Group areas at San Antonio, Jemez Falls and Paliza will be by reservation only. Water continues to be an issue, so I would advise to fill your RV tanks prior to coming up. All picnic areas and day use areas opened Friday May 4th including Jemez Falls Picnic Area.
Now is the Time
Sunday, March 25th, 2012The thawing of Fenton Lake is nearly complete and now is the best time of the year to fish Fenton. The fish are hungry, active and anxious to attack your offering. Some of Fenton’s larger fish become a little careless this time of year….so, now is the time to latch onto that trophy. In spite of its small size, the lake holds some Browns up to 32″ and many Rainbows in the 14 to 20 inch range. For the larger fish, use a large spoon or spinner. Big bait = big fish. The lake was stocked recently with over 2000 Rainbows and anglers were doing very well this past weekend with most baits. Any color of Powerbait seemed to be the most effective.
Most streams in the Jemez Mountains are running high and muddy right now and fishing can be considered difficult at best. The exception is the Rio Cebolla both above and below Fenton Lake. This little stream is running high but clear and has been recently stocked. Fisherpeople did well this past weekend using Powerbait of any color…it seems.
Spring Break – Jemez Mountains
Tuesday, March 13th, 2012Here is some important information if you are planning to spend some time in the beautiful Jemez Mountains during your spring break vacation. While things can be very ‘spring-like’ in the city it is still kind of ‘winter-like’ here in the Jemez Mountains at higher elevations. Much of the Jemez is still covered in snow, forest roads are closed, as are most campgrounds. Fenton Lake is still (as of today) completely covered in ice. Fenton Lake State Park is open for camping with limited space…six spots. Additionally, Vista Linda Campground at mile marker 13.2 on Hwy 4 is completely open with 13 units. There is a $10 per night charge at both Fenton Lake and Vista Linda.
Dreaming of a White Christmas?
Saturday, December 3rd, 2011The much ballyhooed snowstorm for this weekend was a little more than a whimper….at least here in the Jemez. At the store we received three or four inches overnight and this morning. More is on the way Sunday and Monday according to the National Weather Service forecast. If you are coming to the Jemez to play in the snow or to find that perfect Christmas Tree, here are some things to keep in mind. Dress yourself and your loved ones to stay warm and dry. Carry an emergency kit in your vehical. Bring extra food and water or better yet stock up at Amanda’s before heading off highway. All forest roads are still open but are snowpacked, muddy or icy…or all of the above. Hwys 4 and 126 are always plowed, sanded and maintained but caution is advised at all times. Reduce your speed. If you are dreaming of a white Christmas…. (more…)
Now Is The Time in the Jemez Mountains
Wednesday, October 5th, 2011October is a great time to be in the Jemez. Whether your visit is camping for the weekend or a day trip, there is much to do in the Jemez Mountains.
With the cooler weather, the hot springs feel that much better. Take an Autumn hike or drive up to the San Antonio Hot Springs and revive your being with a soak in the 106 degree water. The views are an added bonus. (more…)
Where There's Smoke There's Fire
Thursday, September 8th, 2011
Guacamalla Fire Update….September 21, 2011. The lighting caused Guacamalla Fire was first reported on the afternoon of August 18th. It is burning approximately five miles east of Ponderosa, NM on the SE flank of the Jemez Mountains. As of September 20th the fire had consumed 693 acres. Because of favorable conditions the fire has a low spread potential. (more…)
Young Fisherman Goes Bonkers on the Rio Cebolla
Wednesday, August 31st, 2011Last Saturday and Sunday eight year old Kendrik Johns caught and released over a hundred rainbows each day using dark colored nymphs and Elk Hair Caddis. “If I had not seen it happening with my own eyes, I would not have believed it”, according to Kendrik’s dad Erik.