Santa Fe
National Forest
11 Forest Lane
Santa Fe, NM 87508

Phone:(505) 438-5300
Fax:(505) 438-5390

Supervisor's Office moving to a new location the week of September 20th. Please make note of our NEW phone number, fax number and address. More »

Location Map

Larger Forest Map

Questions about the Website? Email the Webmaster

Home | Recreational Activities | Off-Highway Vehicles

OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE USE
IN THE
SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST

Off highway vehicle use on the Santa Fe National Forest is currently governed by direction established in the Santa Fe National Forest Plan (1987) and, in a few cases, by site-specific closure orders established since that Plan's completion. Of the approximately 1.6 million acres in the Santa Fe National Forest, about 1.04 millions acres (66%) are closed to off-highway vehicles. These closed areas include the four Congressionally-designated Wilderness Areas and a number of management areas where motorized use is prohibited. They also include a few areas where resource damage from off-highway vehicle use was a problem. In addition to these areas where OHV use is closed year-round, there are an additional 42,000 acres (3%) where use is closed seasonally to protect sensitive wildlife habitat or other resources that would be impacted during certain seasons. About 486,000 acres (31%) of the Santa Fe National Forest are open to off-road use by OHV's.

The Santa Fe National Forest visitor map is a good general information source for areas closed to OHV use. Local Ranger District offices can provide more site-specific information about closure areas, including those areas closed by special closure orders.

Over the past few decades, the availability and capability of OHVs has increased tremendously. More Americans are enjoying access and recreational opportunities on their national forests and grasslands, in keeping with the Forest Service’s multiple use mandate. However, the increase in OHV use also affects soil, water, wildlife habitat, and other recreational visitors. To mitigate the affects, the Forest Service announced final travel management regulations governing OHVs and other motor vehicle use on national forests and grasslands on November 2, 2005. The Rule requires Forests to designate a system of roads, trails, and areas open to motor vehicle use. Once the system has been designated, use of motor vehicles off the system will be prohibited. The public is encouraged to become involved in the Travel Management planning process for the Santa Fe National Forest.