Overview The Amole Group Shelter is located immediately adjacent to the popular wooded Amole Canyon Day Use Area at 8,400 feet in elevation. The group shelter accommodates up to 100 people with plenty of solitude since this is the only group facility in this location. Recreation There are approximately 11 miles of non-…
Overview The Amole Group Shelter is located immediately adjacent to the popular wooded Amole Canyon Day Use Area at 8,400 feet in elevation. The group shelter accommodates up to 100 people with plenty of solitude since this is the only group facility in this location. Recreation There are approximately 11 miles of non-motorized trails located in the Amole Canyon Day Use Area. Here, visitors can enjoy sections of the nearby South Loop Trail, with views of the Rio Pueblo Valley, and nearby Bear Mountain and Penasco Mountain. Along the Upper Cutoff Trail, views of Picuris Mountain are readily available. The trails are popular for hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing and are rated easy to more difficult. The Amole Canyon Trailhead also provides access to the Forest's Motorized Trail System via Trail 182, the Tio Maes Trail. Facilities This location provides gated access, twin barbecue grills, picnic tables and a group-sized fire ring. In addition, accessible twin vault toilets with a paved path to the shelter are provided. There is no water at this facility and no trash service. Please bring all the water you will need for your stay and pack out your trash. There is group camping for up to 100 people with 4 paved single vehicle parking spots, and gravel spots for passenger vehicles or camper trailers/RVs. All designated parking is surfaced with gravel or pavement. The pull-thrus can either be used for passenger vehicles or RVs and camp trailers. All parking, regardless of vehicle type, must be on surfaced parking areas. Natural Features The group camping area has been constructed within a stand of tall ponderosa pine trees. The shelter has been constructed on a small hill overlooking a pristine meadow. Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (575) 587-2255. Nearby Attractions Amole Canyon Group Shelter is located approximately seven miles away from the unincorporated community
Photos
Amole Canyon Restroom — Conservation LegacyAmole Shelter with Meadow view — US Forest ServiceAmole Canyon Shelter with BBQ grills — US Forest ServiceAmole Canyon RV Site — US Forest ServiceAmole Canyon Group Shelter — Conservation LegacyAmole Canyon Restrooms — Conservation LegacyAmole Loop Sign — Conservation Legacy
How to Get There
From State Road 68 in Ranchos de Taos, go south on 518 14.2 miles to the junction with National Forest System Road 703, go southeast on FSR703 approximately 0.4 mile to a gate locked with a coded padlock. The code will be provided to you in an email. Unlock the gate and proceed south into the group shelter parking area.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to AMOLE CANYON GROUP SHELTER
Heading to AMOLE CANYON GROUP SHELTER? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for AMOLE CANYON GROUP SHELTER?
No central reservation system listed for AMOLE CANYON GROUP SHELTER. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/273818) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to AMOLE CANYON GROUP SHELTER?
From State Road 68 in Ranchos de Taos, go south on 518 14.2 miles to the junction with National Forest System Road 703, go southeast on FSR703 approximately 0.4 mile to a gate locked with a coded padlock. The code will be provided to you in an email. Unlock the gate and proceed south into the group shelter parking area.
How do I contact AMOLE CANYON GROUP SHELTER?
You can reach the park at phone: 575-587-2255 or email: [email protected].
