TEMPROARY CLOSURE NOTIFICATION
MIMBRES, NM, Mar. 7, 2025 – The Gila National Forest, Wilderness Ranger District will implement a short-term, temporary closure of the Grapevine area and adjacent Gila River #724 Trailhead for hazard tree removal from March 10 – 14, 2025. The work is not expected to disrupt weekend visitation in the area.
"Each year, we assess hazard trees around developed recreation sites and remove those deemed a hazard to forest visitors," said Wilderness District Ranger Brian Stultz. "Next week we will be cutting hazard trees around the day use site along the East Fork of the Gila River. The site will be temporarily closed for protection of public safety during tree-falling operations."
Signs will be posted around the area during the closure. Use of the day use site, along with the dispersed camping area along Forest Road 528, East Fork Road, will be prohibited during the hazard tree removal operations.
Forks Campground, located about 0.25-mile north of the Grapevine area, provides an alternative for camping and river access. Alum Camp #788 Trailhead provides an alternate access point for Trail #724 in lieu of the Gila River #724 Trailhead during the closure. Maps and information are available on the Gila National Forest website at Gila National Forest - Maps & Publications. For more information, contact Maribeth Pecotte at (575) 388-8201 or
