TAOS, N.M. —The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Taos Field Office announces improvements to the Wild Rivers Backcountry Byway Loop. Roads are being reconditioned, paved and realigned now through October 2021. Visitors should anticipate delays, some parking closures, and changes to traffic patterns.

The Wild Rivers Backcountry Byways Loop project will be done in phases. The first phase occurs at the -Chawalauna Overlook and Big Arsenic Campground through May 8. Crews will eliminate drop-offs at edges of roadway and widen portions of the Rinconada Trail. As a result, the Chawalauna Trailhead parking area will be closed to vehicles from April 26 through May 8, 2021.

Hikers and bikers can access the Chawalauna Overlook from Big Arsenic Campground which will remain open but only accessible from the southwest. The trail between the Chawalauna Overlook at Rinconada Trail is temporarily closed during the work.

When recreating, the public should follow New Mexico Department of Health orders https://cv.nmhealth.org, practice Leave No Trace principles, practice social distancing and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.

Details and updates on operations will continue to be posted on our website https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/new-mexico/rio-grande-del-norte-national-monument and social media channels. Updates about BLM operations will be posted on www.blm.gov. For more information, please contact the Taos Field Office at 575-751-8851.