Lincoln National Forest

Lincoln's surroundings are among the most exciting and scenic in the Southwestern United States. Carlsbad Caverns National Monument is located adjacent to the Guadalupe Ranger District. It contains 86 caves as well as one of the largest chambers on the planet. While in the area, stop by Guadalupe Mountains National Park and check out some famous day hikes, such as the Guadalupe Peak Trail and McKittrick Canyon. The Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation is located north of the Cloudcroft Ranger District, and just nearby, you can visit the scenic White Sands National Monument, where the famous gypsum sands cover 300 acres, creating a memorable natural wonder. Hundreds of miles of trails await hikers, horseback riders and motorcyclists. The trails and several miles of old railroad grades are used by cross-country skiers and snowmobilers in the winter. Wilderness trails are closed to mechanized forms of travel. Some trails have been adopted by volunteers who maintain them.

Other Points of Interest

• White Oaks - Near Carrizozo, remnants of thriving gold rush town.
• Lincoln State Monument - In town of Lincoln, historic buildings, legends of Billy the Kid and other western history.
• Sacramento Peak Solar Observatory - South of Cloudcroft, one of the world's largest solar telescopes, guided and self-guided tours.