| 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. The scenic Sangre de Cristo Mountains include Wheeler Peak (13,161,) the highest peak in New Mexico.The Carson National Forest offers recreational opportunities for camping, horseback riding, pack trips, scenic drives, lake or stream trout fishing, and elk, deer, or turkey hunting. Winter activities include downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. The Forest has thirty-nine campgrounds along with dispersed car camping and backcountry camping. There are 330 miles of trails where opportunities abound for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and 4-wheel drive exploring. Many summer hiking trails and forest roads become cross-country ski and snowmobile trails in winter. Trail guides are available at any Carson office.The day to night temperature change is extreme, especially above 7,000 feet. You'll find snow at timberline until June. Expect frequent afternoon showers in July and August. The Carson National Forest is located in Northern New Mexico, around the communities of Taos, Questa, Penasco, Tres Piedras, Canjilon and El Rito. The Rio Grande River runs between two sections of the forest. |
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