Trail Conditions September 22, 2026
- Frijoles Fire closure has ended
- Heavy rain expected in northern New Mexico for the next week
- Aspens have begun to change at the Ski Basin
- Missing horse in the Pecos
- Hunting season information
- No water reported between Jack’s Creek and Pecos Baldy Lake
Frijoles Fire closure has ended
The fire is at 15,956 acres and 81% containment as of September 22. All closures have been lifted. Check the Frijoles Facebook page for updates.
Heavy rain expected in northern New Mexico for the next week
“A dangerous surge of monsoon moisture will cross Tuesday through Thursday with heavy rainfall, scattered occurrences of flash flooding, and some river and tributary flooding. Heavy rainfall will become more localized Friday with a continued risk of flash flooding. Storm coverage and rainfall intensity will decrease significantly over the weekend.” per the US National Weather Service Albuquerque New Mexico.
Also check NOAA’s weather predictions for the area. This link will bring you to the weather for Pecos Baldy Lake. You can also see the hourly forecast for different weather attributes.
Aspens have begun to change at the Ski Basin
Only at the very highest elevations, but the change has started. When will it be at peak? Just a guess, but… two weeks from now. That would be about the first week of October.
Missing horse in the Pecos
Hunting season information
Here’s a calendar of hunting dates:
| 2026 dates | Species | Legal sporting arms | Location / qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 16–31 | Bear | Any legal big-game arm | GMUs 45 and 49; season may close early |
| Sept 1–24 | Bear and deer | Bow only | GMUs 45 and 49 |
| Sept 1–14 | Elk | Bow only | GMUs 45 and 49; limited draw hunts |
| Sept 15–24 | Elk | Bow only | GMUs 45 and 49; separate limited draw hunts |
| Sept 1–30 | Turkey | Bow only | GMU 45; GMU 49 is closed |
| Sept 1–Dec 31 | Squirrel and dusky grouse | Shotgun, rimfire or muzzle-loading firearm, bow, crossbow, or certain air guns | GMUs 45 and 49; centerfire rifles are not permitted |
| Sept 25–Nov 15 | Bear | Any legal big-game arm | GMU 49; season may close early |
| Sept 25–Nov 30 | Bear | Any legal big-game arm | GMU 45; season may close early |
| Sept 27–Oct 3 | Deer | Muzzleloader, bow, or crossbow | GMU 45; limited draw hunt |
| Oct 10–14 | Elk | Muzzleloader, bow, or crossbow | GMU 45; limited draw hunt |
| Oct 10–14 | Elk | Any legal big-game arm | GMU 49; limited draw hunt |
| Oct 17–21 | Elk | Any legal big-game arm | GMUs 45 and 49; limited draw hunts |
| Oct 24–28 | Elk | Any legal big-game arm | GMU 45; limited draw hunt |
| Oct 24–28 | Deer | Any legal big-game arm | GMU 49; limited draw hunt |
| Oct 31–Nov 4 | Deer | Any legal big-game arm | GMUs 45 and 49; limited draw hunts |
| Nov 1–30 | Turkey | Shotgun, bow, or crossbow | GMU 45; GMU 49 is closed |
| Nov 7–11 | Deer | Any legal big-game arm | GMU 45; limited draw hunt |
| Nov 7–11 | Elk | Any legal big-game arm | GMU 49; New Mexico residents only |
| Nov 14–18 | Elk | Muzzleloader, bow, or crossbow | GMU 45; New Mexico residents only |
| Nov 14–18 | Elk | Any legal big-game arm | GMU 49; New Mexico residents only |
| Nov 21–29 | Deer | Any legal big-game arm | GMU 45; youth only |
| Nov 28–Dec 2 | Elk | Any legal big-game arm | GMU 49; youth only |
“Any legal big-game arm” includes centerfire rifles, muzzleloaders, shotguns firing a single slug, bows, and crossbows.
Official sources: bear, deer, elk, turkey, squirrel and grouse, and legal sporting-arm definitions.
No water reported between Jack’s Creek and Pecos Baldy Lake
As of week before last (ie, before the heavy rain we’ve been getting) the creek that crosses Jack’s Creek Trail about half a mile below Pecos Baldy Lake was dry. The very small rill about 1.5 miles SOBO from Pecos Baldy Lake is also dry.
Jack’s Creek is shallow in spots, but you can still easily fill up a nalgene. So do; it’s about 2.6 miles between the last spot where you can get water from Jack’s Creek and Pecos Baldy Lake.
