Carson National Forest

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Overview

The Carson National Forest is one of five National Forests in New Mexico. The National Forests are America's Great outdoors, here to serve the American people at work and play!

Some of the finest mountain scenery in the Southwest is found in the 1.5 million acres covered by the Carson National Forest. Elevations rise from 6,000 feet to 13,161 feet at Wheeler Peak, the highest in New Mexico. Our objective is to maintain that natural beauty.

The Carson National Forest offers unlimited recreational opportunities in any season. The magnificent mountain scenery and cool summer temperatures lure vacationers to enjoy the peace and quiet, for fishing, hunting, camping, and hiking. Winter activities include skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.

Some recreation areas have undergone new and exciting renovations to make the National Forest lands accessible to all. Plans are being implemented to make additional recreation areas accessible.

Camping & Lodging

There are many established campgrounds available; with drinking water, toilets and without drinking water.

For those who want to get away, the Carson provides opportunities for back-country car and backpack camping. With few exceptions, visitors can roam the woods at will, wrapped in a cloak of peace and quiet. For more information, ask for a camping guide to the Carson.

Other Activities

Some of the finest alpine downhill skiing in the US is found at Taos Ski Valley, Red River and Sipapu Ski Areas. All are located within the forest. In addition, Angel Fire, Rio Costilla Ski Areas and Enchanted Forest-Cross Country Ski Area are located on nearby private lands.

Recommended Routes in Carson National Forest - 1

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West Fork Rio Santa Barbara

20.4 mi 32.9 km • 3,183' Up 970.23 m Up • 3,183' Down 970.1 m Down

Ranchos…, NM

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Carson National Forest Running

127 Miles 205 Kilometers of Trail
1 Recommended Route
0 Easy Trails
16 Intermediate Trails
11 Difficult Trails

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Areas Within Carson National Forest

Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort

5 Trails

Wheeler Peak Wilderness Area

2 Trails

Weather Averages

High	Low	Precip	Days w/

Trails in Carson National Forest - 26

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2.2 mi 3.5 km #1Wheeler Peak Summit Trail #67 Difficult Taos Ski Valley, NM	Difficult	Taos Ski Valley, NM	23
4.8 mi 7.8 km #2Lost Lake Trail #91 Intermediate/Difficult Red River, NM	Intermediate/Difficult	Red River, NM	5
5.0 mi 8.1 km #3Jicarita Peak via Serpant Lake Difficult Mora, NM	Difficult	Mora, NM	1
5.9 mi 9.5 km #4Trampas Lakes Trail #31 Intermediate/Difficult Chimayo, NM	Intermediate/Difficult	Chimayo, NM	15
7.4 mi 11.9 km #5Wheeler Peak Trail #90 Difficult Taos Ski Valley, NM	Difficult	Taos Ski Valley, NM	6
3.8 mi 6.1 km #6Gold Hill Trail #64 Intermediate/Difficult Taos Ski Valley, NM	Intermediate/Difficult	Taos Ski Valley, NM	5
5.8 mi 9.3 km #7Columbine Canyon Trail #71 Intermediate/Difficult Questa, NM	Intermediate/Difficult	Questa, NM	7
2.5 mi 4.1 km #8Middle Fork Lake Trail Intermediate Taos Ski Valley, NM	Intermediate	Taos Ski Valley, NM	3
10.7 mi 17.3 km #9Lobo Peak Trail #57 Intermediate/Difficult Questa, NM	Intermediate/Difficult	Questa, NM	2
0.3 mi 0.5 km #10Williams Falls Difficult Taos Ski Valley, NM	Difficult	Taos Ski Valley, NM	2