Silver City, NM--Due to the N.M. State Police’s ongoing search and rescue operation involving two missing youth at Quemado Lake, all recreation areas in and around the lake, the shoreline and dam are temporarily closed. This closure also includes the Juniper Campground, Cove Day Use area, and the boat dock as well as all trails within the vicinity of the lake and the lands along the lake.
Piñon Campground located north of the road that accesses the lake area (Forest Road 13) and El Caso Campground on the east part of the lake remain open for public use.
“This temporary closure is being implemented to allow the N.M. State Police to conduct the search and rescue operations efficiently,” stated Kelly Russell, Gila National Forest Supervisor.
“As soon as we receive word from the search and rescue team, the Quemado Lake closure will be lifted immediately,” adds Russell.
Quemado Lake is located on the northern part of the Gila National Forest and south of the Community of Quemado.
For updated recreation information, please contact the Quemado Ranger District at 575-773-4678; office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.