08/04/2026
Hikers ! Check out the closures coming up , especially WHEELER PEAK AND WILLIAMS LAKE !
🚧 Upcoming Temporary Recreation Closures on the Carson National Forest
Visitors planning trips to the Carson National Forest should be aware of two upcoming temporary closures this August. Please review the details below and plan your visit accordingly.
Closure #1 – Hopewell Lake Recreation Area Rehabilitation
Closure begins: August 17, 2026
To improve visitor facilities and the overall recreation experience, the Hopewell Lake Recreation Area will temporarily close for a major rehabilitation project.
The following areas will be closed:
• Hopewell Lake Campground
• Hopewell Lake Day Use Area
• A portion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail between Hopewell Lake Campground and Highway 64
• Forest Roads 356 and 356A
The area is expected to reopen no later than mid-August 2027, with the possibility of reopening sooner if work is completed ahead of schedule.
Project improvements include:
• Replacing the campground's broken potable water system
• Redesigning select campsites
• Creating a single entrance for both campground and day use visitors via Forest Road 356
• Replacing outdated fire rings and picnic tables
• Enhancing signage and parking at the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail trailhead
A Forest Order and closure map will be released soon.
Closure #2 – Annual Wheeler Peak and Williams Lake Area Closure
August 21–28, 2026
Reopens August 29, 2026
Each summer, the Carson National Forest temporarily closes the Wheeler Peak and Williams Lake area for approximately one week to accommodate local community and traditional uses. This annual closure has historically taken place in mid- to late August.
The following trails will be closed:
• Williams Lake Trail ( #62)
• Wheeler Summit Trail ( #67)
• Wheeler Peak Trail ( #90) between La Cal Basin and Wheeler Peak
• Lost Lake Trail ( #91) between Horseshoe Lake and Wheeler Peak
In addition, the Williams Lake Basin—including Kachina Peak, Lake Fork Peak, and the ridgeline from east of Taos Cone to Simpson Peak—will be closed during this period.
Alternative trails that will remain open include:
• Yerba Trail ( #61)
• Manzanita Trail ( #58)
• Italianos Trail ( #59)
• Gavilan Trail ( #60)
• Long Canyon Trail ( #63) via Wheeler Peak Trail ( #90)
• Gold Hill Trail ( #64) to Gold Hill via Long Canyon Trail ( #63)
A Forest Order and closure map for this temporary closure will be released soon.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we complete important facility improvements at Hopewell Lake and continue to support longstanding traditional uses in the Wheeler Peak area. We encourage visitors to plan ahead and explore the many other recreation opportunities available throughout the Carson National Forest.
