Carson National Forest

The Forest

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.

Recreation Opportunities
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. see: http://www.skitaos.org

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. For the most current information on these and other areas, please check with your local Forest Service office.

WHEELER PEAK WILDERNESS -Questa Ranger District

The Wheeler Peak Wilderness includes almost 20,000 acres.

Lying along the top of the Sangre De Cristo mountain range Wheeler Peak Wilderness is characterized by high rugged terrain. Elevations range from a low of 7,650 feet to a high of 13,161 feet at Wheeler Peak, the highest point in the State of New Mexico.

 

Wheeler Peak Wildlife
Quite a few locals hang out in these parts. Marmots, pikas, elk, mule deer, and golden eagles all share the same home.

Marmots, also known as whisling pigs, are the fat furry critters that crawl around the tallus slopes. The whistling call heard most frequently is a warning to other Marmots. Marmots are true hibernators, sleeping a full 8 months of the year. Only in the short 4-month summer are they active, feeding on grasses and forbs which poke up through the rocks.

If you sit very quietly, you may be fortunate enough to see a pika. Pikas look like little rabbits without tails, but are quite skittish. They are members of the rabbit family. Pikas spend the summer feeding and gathering "hay". They clip vegetation, let it dry, and store it under the rocks to eat during the long snow covered winter. Unlike marmots they do not hibernate.

Golden eagles can sometimes be seen circling the high country. They are ever so graceful to watch as they circle in search of their favorite prey-- rodents. Some rocky mountain elk and mule deer also call Wheeler Peak Wilderness their summer home. The higher elevation is cooler and often lush with grass and new aspen growth, choice foods for elk and deer.

Once native to the Wheeler Peak area, Bighorn Sheep were re-introduced in 1993 and are thriving in the alpine meadow habitat. Bighorn 's are year-round residents of the Wheeler peak area. Winters are particularly difficult for the sheep as they must depend upon windblown slopes to find forage. Enjoy viewing the Bighorns, but please do not approach or try to feed them.

Where's the Fish?
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish stocks Horseshoe and Lost lakes with native cutthroat fry, by helicopter, every few years. They also stock Middle Fork Lake and the Rio Hondo, below the Ski Valley, with rainbow trout in early July. Above Taos Ski Valley, the Rio Hondo has a natural population of cutthroat trout as does Sawmill Creek. The Department also stocks the East Fork of the Red River with rainbows. A license is required for fishing, along with a trout stamp. If you would like more information, contact the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish in Raton at (575) 445-2311. There are no fish in Williams Lake because it is to shallow to provide sufficient fish habitat in the winter.

Fishing Guides in Taos

Wild Rivers on the fly- The ultimate fishing Adventure

Welcome to the Wild Rivers of New Mexico's Enchanted Circle. The waters are home to Rainbow, Wild Brown and Rio Grande native cutthroat trout. Join us for an adventurous fly fishing experience amidst the unsurpassed beauty of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Rio Grande Gorge, and the Cimarron River Canyon.

Fly Fishing and Guiding Packages
Your package includes accommodations at the luxurious Edelweiss Lodge and Spa located in the heart of the Taos Ski Valley. Your fully furnished and equipped 1 bedroom/1 bath includes the following amenities:  Fireplace, king bed, queen sleeper sofa, radiant heat floors, travertine bath and shower, washer & dryer, underground heated parking, fitness room and sauna, game room, boot room and outdoor plaza, which is a great place to enjoy that after-fishing-trip cigar. Come relax and enjoy the incredible views, the quiet, and the fresh mountain air. Our guides provide door to door service at the Edelweiss Lodge and Spa and will pick you up and drop you off after your fly fishing adventure.

Cottams Fishing

Great Fishing in the Rivers of Northern New Mexico!
 

Cottam's is happy to supply you with everything you need for your perfect vacation escape. We have a full selection of the latest gear for sale or rent. We also carry all New Mexico game and fishing licenses to help you enjoy our rivers. Prices Equipment Rental Available:      Spinning/Casting Rod only $15 per day;      Hip Waders only $7.50 per day.

Book Your Reservation Today!
1-800-322-8267

Trees, Flowers and Chirping Birds
From the cottonwoods along the Rio Hondo to the Bristlecone pines guarding the peaks, Wheeler Peak Wilderness has almost all of the trees native to Northern New mexico. Englemann spruce and sub-alpine fir are the predominant tree species.

Because Wheeler Peak is so high, it is one of the only places in the State to see a true alpine "mat" as opposed to grasses that grow in other high alpine locales. The "mat" produces beautiful brilliantly colored flowers.

Those burnt orange patches covering the talus rocks are called lichens (pronounced "likens"). The Forest Service uses lichens as an indicator of air quality and acid rain. If the lichens were to begin drying out and crumbling, one would suspect damage due to acid rain.

Songbirds can be seen almost anywhere. Magpies, Canada jays, chickadees, woodpeckers, and numerous other birds can be spotted throughout the wilderness.

Typical Wheeler Weather
The average annual precipitation is 34-40 inches, about half the total comes from summer rains and half from winter snows. Average annual temperatures range between 80 degrees in the summer to 20 degrees below zero in the winter.

Most people visit Wheeler Peak Wilderness between July 4 and Labor Day. In late June or early September, there are fewer people and the weather is usually crisp and clear.

July and August are rainy months with almost daily afternoon showers. Be prepared. Visitors should carry rain gear and a tent if staying overnight. Daytime temperatures in the summer are often in the 60's but can drop dramatically when a storm moves in. Nights are cold, occasionally below freezing. Snowfall usually begins in early October. The wilderness is open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Beware, avalanche danger is significant.

Be Prepared!!
Beware of lightning on the ridges. Since you will probably be the highest point around, get off the ridge if thunderclouds are overhead. If you are trying to get to Wheeler Peak in one day, leave early in the morning in order to avoid the early afternoon thunder shower.

Be sure to take proper clothing. Temperatures can drop suddenly. Wet clothing can chill the body quickly. Wool is best for heat even when wet; cotton next to the skin will keep the body damp and will actually wick heat away. Dress in layers which can be added or removed as temperature change.Go for the Gold...
Enjoy fall colors in Carson National Forest!

NORTHERN PECOS WILDERNESS
Camino Real Ranger District

Pecos Wildlife

Quite a few locals hang out in these parts. Rocky Mountain Bighorn, elk, mule deer, and golden eagles all share the same home.

The Rocky mountain Bighorn found in the Pecos Wilderness can be quite tame. They will walk up to your camp and beg for food. The Bighorn's digestive system is very sensitive, please don't feed them people food.

Golden eagles can sometimes be seen circling the high country. They are ever so graceful to watch as they circle in search of their favorite prey. Eagles are sensitive to intruders in their environment. Many off-spring never hatch because curious visitors keep parents away from the nest site, preventing them from keeping the eggs warm. Please respect the Eagle be keeping away from their nests.

Many rocky mountain elk and mule deer also call Pecos Wilderness their summer home. The higher elevation is cooler and often lush with grass and new aspen growth, choice foods for elk and deer.

Where's the Fish?

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish stocks Hidden Lakes, Trampas Lakes, No Fish Lake, & Serpent Lakes with native cutthroat fry, by helicopter, every few years. A license is required for fishing. If you would like more information, contact the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish in Raton at (575) 445-2311.

Typical Pecos Weather

The average annual precipitation is 34-40 inches, about half the total comes from summer rains and half from winter snows. Average annual temperatures range between 80 degrees in the summer to 20 degrees below zero in the winter.

Most people visit Pecos Wilderness between July 4 and Labor Day. In late June or early September the weather is usually crisp and clear and there are fewer people in the wilderness.

July and August are rainy months with almost daily afternoon showers. Be prepared. Visitors should carry rain gear and a tent if staying overnight. Daytime temperatures in the summer are often in the 60's but can drop dramatically when a storm moves in. Nights are cold, occasionally below freezing. Snowfall usually begins in early October. The wilderness is open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Beware, avalanche danger is significant.

Be Prepared!!

Beware of lightning on the ridges. Since you will probably be the highest point around, get off the ridge if thunderclouds are overhead. Leave early in the morning in order to avoid the early afternoon thunder shower.

Be sure to take proper clothing. Temperatures can drop suddenly. Wet clothing can chill the body quickly. Wool is best for heat even when wet; cotton next to the skin will keep the body damp and will actually wick heat away. Dress in layers which can be added or removed as temperature change

HIKING TRAILS

Name of Trail	Distance										Degree of Difficulty
Gavilan Trail	3.3miles one way	X	X				X			X	Expert
Italianos Canyon Trail 59	3.7 miles one way	X	X				X			X	Expert
Long Canyon/Bull-Of-The-Woods	3 miles one way	X	X			X	X			X	Expert
Manzanita Canyon Trail 58	4.2 miles one way	X	X				X				Expert
Wheeler Peak Trail 90	8 miles one way	X	X			X	X			X	Expert
Williams Lake Trail 62	2 miles one way	X	X			X	X			X	Novice/Intermediate
Yerba Canyon Trail 61	3.9 miles one way	X	X							X	Expert