Lower la cueva gate closed

Went to climb revenge of the elderly this morning and gate was closed says for the season WTF anyone know why?

I assume it's to combat all the prostitution. Also a lot of people driving off road and destroying the environment. Pretty sad considering what a beautiful area it is. The forest service shuts it down every couple years for these reasons 

Was not in the know on hookers, I have never really seen anything sketchy up there. Just feel when I buy a yearly parking pass/pay taxes I expect places to be open, I know too much to ask. Hope the snow in the top of the sandias melts soon.

The La Cueva Trailhead gate is only open seasonally.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cibola/recarea/?recid=64218

It's my understanding they lock the gate because they don't have staff to maintain the toilets/trashcans in the off-season.

I called the Sandia Ranger District office and the gate will tentatively be unlocked on MAY 15th this year (it might happen earlier).

It was still open the last week of February so not sure of what season its closed? Many of the parked cars along the road are prostitutes and there is actually a traveling website that guides "johns" to the area. Local police told me they have tried to control it with no luck. Multiple abandoned vehicles and trash. Gates busted and barriers moved. I generally spend multiple days a week in the area during the winter and the situation has definitely gotten worse. 

Yeah I did flake and bake feb 18th and the gate was open.

It was locked for me on March 3 and April 1. 

Had a nice morning in La Cueva Canyon this weekend, but the gates are closed again... Based on Anna's comment it sounds like the picnic site was only officially open 6-7 months this year? Any other info on the closures?

As usual for this area, greatest hazard of the day was humans, I ran into a group of hunters on my way down. I wasn't aware that was a common use of this area, will probably wear something a little more visible than green pants and a camo sunshirt next time.