NMDOT Closes NM 159 Gates for Winter
Both gates on the scenic Bursum Road in Catron County are closed for the season, with access to Willow Creek and Snow Lake rerouted via U.S. 180.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Current Conditions
The New Mexico Department of Transportation closed both gates on NM 159, also known as Bursum Road, beginning Monday, Nov. 9. The seasonal closure is due to winter weather conditions that make the roadway impassable.
Why it matters
Winter conditions on the rugged Catron County highway make it impassable, so travelers to Willow Creek, Snow Lake, and the Gila National Forest must take a longer alternate route. Statewide drivers planning trips to the region should account for the detour.
The closure is recorded by NMDOT gate actions at milepost 12.3 near Mogollon and milepost 22.6 near Willow Creek Campground. Reopening depends on weather and remains unconfirmed.
The players
New Mexico Department of Transportation
The state agency responsible for maintaining New Mexico's highways, including the seasonal gating of NM 159 in Catron County.
The details
NMDOT closed the lower gate just past Mogollon and the upper gate near Willow Creek Campground. Motorists seeking Willow Creek, Snow Lake, or the Gila National Forest are directed to take U.S. 180 to NM 12 in Reserve, then NM 435 (Reserve-Beaverhead Road).
Timeline
Monday, Nov. 9, 2026: NMDOT closure of both NM 159 gates begins.
Late April to mid-May 2027: Expected reopening of NM 159, weather permitting.
Seasonal Patterns
The closure follows NMDOT's recurring practice of gating NM 159 each winter when snow makes Bursum Road impassable. Its reopening in late April or mid-May reflects the same seasonal cycle that governs access to high-elevation Gila National Forest terrain.
Drivers heading to Willow Creek, Snow Lake, or the Gila National Forest should use U.S. 180 to NM 12 in Reserve and then NM 435 instead of NM 159. Check current conditions before traveling, as winter weather can affect alternate routes.
The takeaway
Winter gates on NM 159 remain closed until spring weather allows safe passage. Planning the U.S. 180 detour in advance avoids unexpected delays for trips into the Gila region.
What happens next
NMDOT expects NM 159 to reopen between late April and mid-May 2027, weather permitting, and will continue monitoring the gates throughout the winter.
Further reading
For real-time updates on statewide routes, see Current Conditions for New Mexico.
More information
Check live status on the NMDOT road conditions and travel information page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KTSM 9 News.
