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) announced that the Taos Field Office is increasing recreational access to the Rio Verde and Pilar Campgrounds for day-use only. The Rio Grande and Wild Rivers Visitor Centers will also reopen with limited services available. 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 July 3, 2020, the Pilar, Rio Bravo, and Taos Junction Campgrounds will open for day-use only. In addition:

The Rio Grande Visitor Center will be open Friday through Sunday, from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.The Wild Rivers Visitor Center will be open Friday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.Exact change or use of the credit card is requested to decrease the need to handle cash.  

With public health in mind, the following facilities/areas currently remain closed:Wild Rivers Recreation Area campgrounds Santa Cruz North Shore and Overlook CampgroundsLa Junta, El Aguaje, Rio Bravo, and Taos Junction group shelters  

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount.  At the Taos Field Office, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance, and to regularly monitor these. We continue 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. 

While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased, and services may be limited.  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. 

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating on public lands prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19, and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.  

“The Taos Field Office is excited to open additional recreation areas for the public to enjoy as we enter the upcoming holiday weekend. We ask that the public comply with the ban on fireworks and fire restrictions while responsibly recreating on public lands,” said BLM Taos Assistant Field Manager Judy Culver. 

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.