| The Santa Fe National Forest covers 1.6 million acres in the heart of north central New Mexico. Within the Santa Fe National Forest's boundaries are meadows, miles of trees, and a dormant volcano with a 15-mile wide crater (Valles Caldera National Preserve).Wilderness areas within the Santa Fe National Forest include Pecos, San Pedro Parks, Dome, and the Chama River Canyon. Together these areas contain a rich, diverse resource, including 13,000-foot alpine peaks, large meadows, streams, rivers, and lakes, canyons, and a broad range of wildlife, cultural resources, and recreation opportunities.In the Santa Fe National Forest, visitors will find the headwaters of the Pecos Jemez, and Gallinas Rivers, mountain streams, lakes and trout fishing. The Rio Chama, East Fork of the Jemez, and Pecos River are designated Wild and Scenic Rivers. Scenic drives include State Highways 4, 126, and 96 in the Jemez Mountains; State Highway 63 up the Pecos River to Cowles; Gallinas Canyon west of Las Vegas; or up to the Santa Fe Ski Area out of Santa Fe. Cultural attractions of this area include Indian Pueblos that can be visited, Indian ruins, and Spanish missions.Recreational opportunities within the Santa Fe National Forest include camping, hiking, horseback riding, pack trips, river rafting, lake or stream trout fishing, and elk, deer, or turkey hunting. Winter activities include downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. |
|  |  | | | Facilities: Presently, there are 23 campgrounds and 13 picnic areas within the Santa Fe National Forest. Reservations: Reservations are required for group camp sites within the Santa Fe National Forest. Best Time To Visit: Santa Fe National Forest offers year-round recreation. The summer and fall months are characterized by daytime temperatures in the mid-80's and chilly nights. Winters are also mild, but snow depths can average 8 to 10 feet. The monsoon season normally begins mid-July and lasts until mid-September. Hikers and campers should prepare for these rainstorms. Fees: A fee may be charged for some campgrounds, call the Santa Fe National Forest for more information. Accessibility: Unknown Rules: Travel is restricted to foot or horseback with in the wilderness areas. Directions: The Santa Fe National Forest is located in Northern New Mexico, around the communities of Santa Fe, Espanola, Cuba and Las Vegas. The Rio Chama runs along the northwest end of the Forest and the Rio Grande splits the Forest from north to south. Interstate 25, U.S. Highway 84, and State Highways 4 and 96 all run through portions of the Santa Fe National Forest. | | |
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