Wildfire Mitigation Work to Begin on Canyon Rim Trail October 2

Published on October 01, 2025

For public safety, and in coordination with the Los Alamos County Manager’s Office, the Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) will temporarily close a section of the Canyon Rim Trail beginning Thursday, Oct. 2, to conduct important wildfire fuels reduction. The project is expected to last a little more than one week, depending on weather conditions, with closures occurring only during active operations and reopening once work has been completed for the day.

The trail closure will extend between Fire Station 6 and the eastern Canyon Rim trailhead parking lot. Work is scheduled Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. LAFD will thin about 14 to 20 acres to reduce ladder fuels, space canopies and establish a more effective fuel break. Residents in the area may hear noise and see activity from robotic masticatorsduring the project.

The Canyon Rim Trail effort is the first phase of LAFD’s three-phase wildfire mitigation project, which uses Burnbot technology in partnership with the Santa Fe County Fire Department’s Black Canyon crew. Subsequent phases will include mitigation work that will temporarily close sections of the Bayo Canyon and Canada del Buey trails. The entire project is expected to continue through October 21.

“Public safety and community wildfire resilience are our top priorities,” said Acting Wildland Division Chief Van Leimer. “This project represents an innovative step forward in reducing fire risk and protecting both residents and natural resources.”

LAFD asks trail users to observe posted signs and respect all closures until work is finished.

For more information about mitigation efforts in Los Alamos County, visit the Wildland Division website, or contact LAFD at 505-662-8301.