Welcome to the Carson National Forest!

The Great Outdoors Has Never Been Better

Fall colors make the finest mountain scenery in the Southwest shine even brighter! Explore the 1.5 million acres of the Carson National Forest where elevations rise from 6,000 feet to 13,161 feet.

Fall Color Guide

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

Plan An Unforgettable Experience

  • Recreation

    Carson NF

    Skiing, views, prehistoric ruins, ice caves, lava flows, and some of the best biking trails in New Mexico.

  • Be Prepared

    Map at campsite

    Maps are available in all formats and for all devices. Plan ahead by mapping your adventure.

  • Passes/Permits

    Fishing on the Carson

    Camping? Collecting fuelwood? Family Reunion? Filming a Hollywood blockbuster? Get the pass or permit you need! Know before heading out.

Discover More about the Carson National Forest

  • Jobs in Wildland Fire

    Chantel Herrick pile burning at the Kaibab National Forest

    The next Fire Hire event will be August 31, 2023 to September 29, 2023. Learn more about fire and aviation management jobs, basic training requirements, and how to apply.

Features

Talpa Foothills Working Group

two people standing in front of a panoramic view in the fall

A third-party facilitator working for the Carson National Forest is bringing together a working group that will develop, refine, and evaluate maps of trail system proposals for the Talpa Foothills area to the east of Taos, NM. The Forest Service will consider these in the National Environmental Policy Act process, which includes more opportunities for public engagement.

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Revised Land Management Plan

forest Plan Revision at top of wooden sign with arrow signs pointing right: Assess, Revise, Monitor

The Carson National Forest has completed revision of its new land management plan. The plan provides strategic direction to guide management of forest resources and a framework for decision making on site specific projects and activities.

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