Carson National Forest
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Carson National Forest
Carson National Forest (Rich Reid/National Geographic/Getty)

Rife though it may be with Indian pueblos, historic villages, superb alpine ski areas, and cultural capitals such as Taos, we think that the most remarkable features of north-central New Mexico's 1.5-million-acre Carson National Forest are its starkly varied landscapes. Read More »

Carson National Forest Highlights

  • Carson National Forest covers 1.5 million acres of rugged mountains, rising from 6,000 to 13,161 feet. It contains the highest peak in New Mexico and stretches from Santa Fe to the Colorado border.
  • The forest includes primitive backcountry wilderness areas, where only foot and horseback travel is permitted and is home to deer, elk, antelope, black bear, mountain lion, and bighorn sheep. Hiking possibilities are virtually endless.
  • The Valle Vidal section of Carson National Forest is one of the most spectacular regions in the Southwest, defined by towering pines, groves of shimmering aspens, and sprawling meadows where elk and cattle graze among the wildflowers.
By Travel Expert: Steve Metzger
  • The 1.5-million-acre Carson National Forest stretches from Santa Fe to the Colorado border and from Cimarron to the Arizona border; a smaller, separate section lies near Dulce, in northerwestern New Mexico. Camping in the forest, which rises from 6,000 to 13,161, the highest point in New Mexico, ranges from primitive backcountry wilderness areas to improved campgrounds with running water and flush toilets. The best source of information is the district offices in Taos.
  • The Valle Vidal section of the Carson National Forest is without doubt one of the most spectacular regions in the Southwest and offers excellent camping. For starters, try McCrystal Creek Campground, an isolated and wonderfully peaceful area with a handful of free campsites that have drinking water and pit toilets. Take Highway 64 four miles east of Cimarron and watch for the turnoff on your left. Be aware that Valle Vidal is closed May 1 through June 30 to allow the elk herd to calve without human spectators.
  • The 85-mile Enchanted Circle—which runs between Taos, Questa, Red River, Eagle Nest Lake and back to Taos—offers a dozen or so small roadside campgrounds. Of course this means they'll be more crowded than those in the more remote areas. On the other hand, they offer convenience and easy access to the area's other recreational activities. Lower Hondo, Cuchilla, and Italianos, and Twining are all NM 150 east of Taos and offer developed sites along a tumbling mountain stream.
  • Cabresto Lake Campground, in the Latir Peak Wilderness northeast of Questa, offers primitive sites with pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. There is access to abundant hiking as well as ruggedly beautiful views of the surrounding peaks and a small lake. Take Forest Road 134 east from NM 522 about five miles north of Questa.
By Travel Expert: Steve Metzger


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