Everything Jemez
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.
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.
The 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.
All 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.
The 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.
Here 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.
The 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…. Read more about Dreaming of a White Christmas? …
October 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. Read more about Now Is The Time in the Jemez Mountains …
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. Read more about Where There’s Smoke There’s Fire …
Last 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.