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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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Favorite The cows watching...watching...
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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 Easy Trails
  • 16 Intermediate Trails Intermediate Trails
  • 11 Difficult Trails Difficult Trails
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Areas Within Carson National Forest

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Trails in Carson National Forest - 26

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2.2 mi 3.5 km #1Wheeler Peak Summit Trail #67
Difficult Difficult
Taos Ski Valley, NM
Difficult Difficult
Taos Ski Valley, NM 23 
4.8 mi 7.8 km #2Lost Lake Trail #91
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Red River, NM
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Red River, NM
5.0 mi 8.1 km #3Jicarita Peak via Serpant Lake
Difficult Difficult
Mora, NM
Difficult Difficult
Mora, NM
5.9 mi 9.5 km #4Trampas Lakes Trail #31
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Chimayo, NM
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Chimayo, NM 15 
7.4 mi 11.9 km #5Wheeler Peak Trail #90
Difficult Difficult
Taos Ski Valley, NM
Difficult Difficult
Taos Ski Valley, NM
3.8 mi 6.1 km #6Gold Hill Trail #64
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Taos Ski Valley, NM
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Taos Ski Valley, NM
5.8 mi 9.3 km #7Columbine Canyon Trail #71
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Questa, NM
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Questa, NM
10.7 mi 17.3 km #8Lobo Peak Trail #57
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Questa, NM
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Questa, NM
0.3 mi 0.5 km #9Williams Falls
Difficult Difficult
Taos Ski Valley, NM
Difficult Difficult
Taos Ski Valley, NM
3.4 mi 5.5 km #10Cordova Canyon Trail #17
Difficult Difficult
Ranchos de Taos, NM
Difficult Difficult
Ranchos de Taos, NM

Photos of Carson National Forest - 94

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Williams Lake 10/2016
Oct 25, 2016 near Taos Sk…, NM
Enjoy a great view of the lakes from Sheepshead Peak. North Truchas Peak is at the right edge of the photo.
Jul 2, 2017 near Chimayo, NM
Williams Lake late October 2018.
Oct 21, 2018 near Taos Sk…, NM
Looking at Wheeler Peak (highest point in NM) and the Wheeler Wilderness. The trail you see here is the Goose Lake Trail.
Apr 26, 2019 near Taos Sk…, NM
Where the trail climbs out of the canyon, this is the view looking east toward Wheeler Peak and the ski resort.
Apr 30, 2019 near Taos Sk…, NM
Great views of Gold Hill and Long Canyon from the Wheeler Peak Trail.
Apr 30, 2019 near Taos Sk…, NM
Descent from Lobo Peak
May 19, 2022 near Taos Sk…, NM
View from the trail
Nov 23, 2022 near Taos Sk…, NM

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