Lincoln National Forest Issues Temporary Cedar Creek & Perk Canyon Area Closures Through September 2026
June 3, 2026 (Ruidoso, NM) — The Lincoln National Forest has issued a temporary closure order for portions of the Smokey Bear Ranger District near Cedar Creek, Perk Canyon, and surrounding recreation areas due to hazardous flooding risks associated with the 2026 monsoon season.
According to the U.S. Forest Service, the closure is intended to protect public health and safety in areas impacted by continued post-wildfire flooding hazards and unstable conditions. The order took effect June 2, 2026, and is currently scheduled to remain in place through September 30, 2026, unless rescinded earlier.
Affected closures include:
Cedar Creek Trailhead
Fitness Trail Trailhead
Perk Canyon Trailhead
Cedar Creek West Trailhead
Cedar Creek Day Use Area
Sam Tobias Group Site
The following trail systems are also temporarily closed:
Trail 13 North Cedar Creek
Trail 90 Fitness Trail
Trail 92 Perk Canyon
Trail 93 Perk Ridge
Trail 93A Ranger
Trail 120A Lower Cedar Creek
Trail 120C Beginner Loop
The Forest Service states that these areas remain vulnerable to dangerous flooding impacts and ongoing storm-related hazards throughout monsoon season. Repair and maintenance needs will continue to be evaluated and prioritized during the closure period.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to avoid all closed areas and use caution when recreating near burn scar landscapes during periods of heavy rainfall or flash flooding potential.
Current alerts, maps, and official closure information are available through the Lincoln National Forest Alerts & Closures page: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/lincoln/alerts
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