Road and Area Closure for National Forest Road 462 Maintenance 

Road & Area Closure for
National Forest Road 462 Maintenance  

Sandia Ranger District 

(Albuquerque, NM – November 4, 2026) — The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands has issued a road and area closure order (Order #03-03-05-26-24) for National Forest Road (NFR) 462, Coyote Trailhead parking area and the Chamisoso Trailhead parking area on the Sandia Ranger District within Bernalillo County, New Mexico. See attached map.

The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety during a road construction project because there is no safe detour around the construction zone. Crews will replace and remove aging culverts, clean and armor ditches, regrade the road surface, place new aggregate, and install 90 feet of guardrail. Work runs from the heliport on NFR 462A downhill to NM-337. The improvements will reduce erosion, improve drainage, and provide a safer, smoother road for visitors and emergency access. Visitors should plan to use alternate trailheads during the closure. Work schedules may shift due to weather.

This Order will be effective on November 9, 2026 at 7 a.m., and shall remain in effect until December 11, 2026, or until rescinded.

The following acts are prohibited within all National Forest System lands as described in this Order and as depicted on the attached map:

1.     Going into or being upon the Described Area.

2.   Being on the road.

The following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).

2. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.

3. Landowners crossing National Forest System lands to access their private property.

A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.

The official Order 03-03-05-26-24 is be posted on the Cibola National Forest and Grasslands alerts page:https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/cibola/alerts

For more information, contact the Sandia Ranger District in Tijeras, NM at #505-281-3304.