Gilman Tunnel Access Closed for Rock Stabilization Work Next Week
The Santa Fe National Forest announced on November 21 that access to the Gilman Tunnels via Forest Road 376 will be prohibited on December 1 and December 2 to allow crews to complete critical rock stabilization work. The short term closure is aimed at public safety, and residents and visitors are asked to avoid the area while crews eliminate immediate rock fall danger and stabilize surrounding cliffs.
The Santa Fe National Forest notified local residents on November 21 that Forest Road 376 and the Gilman Tunnels will be closed to all motorized and non motorized traffic on Monday December 1 and Tuesday December 2. The restricted access is intended to provide a safe work zone for crews conducting critical rock stabilization efforts on the tunnels and the surrounding rock cliffs.
Forest officials said the stabilization project is focused on eliminating the immediate rock fall danger and on long term stabilization of the cliff faces that frame the tunnels. To ensure public safety and to allow crews to finish on schedule, the public has been asked to avoid the area during the two day closure. The Jemez Ranger District Office is the local point of contact for more information about the project.
For Sandoval County residents and visitors, the closure will affect any plans to access the Gilman Tunnels for recreation or travel on Forest Road 376 during the closure dates. The tunnels are a local landmark and popular destination for photographers, hikers and drivers seeking scenic routes through the national forest. Limiting access during active stabilization work reduces risk to the public and permits crews to operate heavy equipment and safety systems without interruption.
The timing of the work in early December underscores the Forest Service commitment to reducing hazard before the winter season when freeze and thaw cycles can worsen rock fall conditions. Securing infrastructure such as tunnels and access roads is part of broader forest management priorities that balance public use with safety and environmental stewardship.
Residents who plan to visit the area later in the season are encouraged to follow official Forest Service guidance and to contact the Jemez Ranger District Office for updates on reopening and any additional safety advisories. The Forest Service will release information on reopening once crews complete the stabilization work and the site is confirmed safe for public access.
