Lincoln National Forest

Mayhill Ranger District consists of 240,851 acres of public lands along the lower eastern slopes of the Sacramento Mountain Range. It extends from the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation on the north to the Sacramento River on the south. The District Administrative Office is located along U.S. Highway 82 in Mayhill, N.M. Elevation ranges from 6,000 feet along the eastern boundary to 9,300 feet along the ridgetop of Logan Canyon in the western part of the District. Vegetation varies from grasslands in lower elevations to mixed conifers in higher elevations.

A generally moderate climate prevails with an average daytime temperature during the winter months of 51 and an average daytime temperature of 82 during the summer months. The annual average precipitation recorded is 23.14 inches. These climatic features provide a comfortable environment for year-round activities.

Within the District there are three small communities, Mayhill, Weed, and Sacramento, and approximately 4,500 acres of private land subdivided for summer homes. Ranching, logging and commercial wood cutting are the leading industries in the area.

Recreational opportunities include hunting, fishing, camping, picnicking, bird watching, motorcycling, hiking, horseback riding and sightseeing. James Canyon recreation area is a small picnicking and camping area located 2 miles west of Mayhill along U.S. Highway 82. This is the only developed recreation site in the District. Fishing activities are limited to the small Bear Canyon Lake and Penasco River. Wildlife is generally abundant with diverse species such as elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, skunks, squirrels, chipmunks, some black bears, and occasionally, a fox.