News Release

Guadalupe Mountains National Park Temporarily Closes Backcountry Campsites due to Dog Fire

Date: May 15, 2021
Contact: Michael Haynie, 915-828-3251 ext 2314

Salt Flat, Texas - The Dog Fire started on May 11, 2021 and was likely due to lightning. Based on aerial reconnaissance, the fire is estimated to be 33 acres and is north of the Juniper Trail. The aerial reconnaissance did see active flame on heavy fuels (logs) and fine fuels (duff/understory), and several smokes. The Saguaro Wildland Fire Module is conducting an on-the-ground assessment of the fire today and will confirm the size of the fire and fire behavior. Guadalupe Mountains National Park's Fire Management Plan includes managing naturally-occurring fires for resource benefits which include: reducing fuels to prevent future more damaging and dangerous fires, returning nutrients to the soil, and creating a mosaic of habitats for wildlife. 

Guadalupe Mountains National Park will temporarily close backcountry campsites for visitor safety while a crew is assessing an active fire. The Pine Springs and Dog Canyon campgrounds remain open, and most trails remain open for day use including: Guadalupe Peak, Devil's Hall, Smith Spring, McKittrick Canyon, Permian Reef, El Capitan/Salt Basin Overlook, Frijole/Foothills, Salt Basin Dunes. At Dog Canyon, the Tejas Trail is open to the McKittrick Ridge Junction, and the Bush Mountain Trail is open to the Marcus Overlook. Guadalupe Mountains National Park looks forward to resuming normal backcountry camping operations as soon as it is safe to do so.