The Taos Field Office announces additional recreation areas to open for camping and day-use
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TAOS, N.M. – With the easing of public health and safety restrictions enacted by the State of New Mexico health officials, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announces that the Taos Field Office is increasing access to the Orilla Verde Recreation Area and some areas of the Wild Rivers Campgrounds. The BLM is working service-wide with Federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a case-by-case basis.
Beginning Sept. 3, the Orilla Verde Recreation Area will open the following campgrounds:
- Arroyo Hondo
- Lone Juniper
- Pilar
- Rio Bravo
- Rio Pueblo
- Taos Junction
- Big Arsenic
- El Aguaje
- Little Arsenic
- Montoso
- La Junta Campground will be open to day-use only; no camping
- Wild Rivers Inner Gorge primitive campsites will be open to day-use only
"The Taos Field Office is focused on providing recreation and economic opportunities while protecting our local communities, staff, and volunteers," stated Assistant Field Manager, Judy Culver. "We are excited to announce the opening of camping opportunities within the Taos Field Office. Keeping these sites open and as clean as possible requires public assistance in respecting each other, our employees, our volunteers, and the facilities."
The BLM continues to work closely with the Department of the Interior and follow CDC guidance to ensure public and employee spaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.
When recreating, the public should follow the New Mexico Department of Health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, practice social distancing, and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.
Details and updates on operations will continue to be posted on our website https://www.blm.gov/alert/nm-covid-19-updates and social media channels. Updates about BLM operations are available on www.blm.gov.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.