Guadalupe Mountains National Park (Texas) is closing all wilderness campgrounds until further notice due to the extreme fire danger and increasing wildfire activity across the area.
As per a report, the Southwest area of New Mexico and far west Texas are experiencing high to extreme fire danger and an increase in wildfire activity.
On April 19, the Southwest Agency Coordination Center moved from Preparedness Level 3 to Preparedness Level 4.
Park rangers have also noticed increased illegal fire activity by campers in the Guadalupe Mountains Wilderness.
Under the 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7 authorized by Title 54 USC, SS 100751(a), the following fire restrictions will be implemented at Guadalupe Mountains National Park:
The use of camp stoves and other ignition devices is prohibited on all park trails and wilderness campsites (36 CFR SS2.10 and SS2.13), overnight camping at all ten wilderness campgrounds within the park is prohibited, and permitting of overnight trips in the wilderness is suspended until further notice (36 CFR SS2.10 and SS2.13).
All trails, park-wide, are accessible for daytime hiking during this time. Frontcountry developed campgrounds at Pine Springs and Dog Canyon are open and subject to the fire restrictions in closure order 22-001 dated April 14, 2022.
The temporary closure will be lifted once conditions for wildland fires improve within the park or in the region.
For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/gumo/index.htm.
This story originally appeared on CBS 7.
It’s important to find thoughtful outdoor destinations in the area and stay informed about Guadalupe Mountains National Park’s closure to ensure a safe and enjoyable future visit.