Mimbres, NM, December 30, 2016'The Gila National Forest wishes to notify the public of the closure of four campgrounds on the Wilderness Ranger District. A large section of the access road being washed out by floodwaters at the west fork of the Gila River has resulted in the closure of Woody's Corral, TJ's Corral, Scorpion campgrounds, and the West Fork Trail Head parking access.

Adam Mendonca, Forest Supervisor stated the closure will remain in effect until further notice to protect the safety of the public. In addition, New Mexico Highway 15 will be closed at mile marker 42.1, one mile southeast of the cliff dwellings until further notice.

The Gila Visitor Center, museum, park store, and forest trails remain open to the public. Visitor Center hours are 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. daily. Visitors planning trips to Gila Center in the near future should first call the visitor center at 575-536-9461 to get information on the latest conditions.

If you wish to access the Forest Service trails past the road closure via foot or horseback, parking continues to be available at the Gila Visitor Center.

For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila or join the conversation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GilaNForest/ or follow us on Twitter @GilaNForest.