Welcome to the Carson National 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. More information about the forest

Recent News

• Plan for a Safe Holiday Weekend on the Carson National Forest

  Release Date: Jan 14, 2022  

Features

Costilla Creek: No Fish Stocked

Due to a project to expand the Rio Grande Cutthrout Troute, there will be no fish stocked on Rio Costilla from Costilla Dam downstream to the Valle Vidal Boundary including all tributaries and Comanche Creek from the road culvert cross on FR 1950 downstream to its confluence with Rio Costilla, and all tributaries.  The NM Department of Game and Fish has implement the final phase of this project to expand Rio Grande cutthroat trout in 120 miles of the Rio Costilla watershed. There is a tentative restocking of Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout planned in spring 2022.

Forest Plan Revision

Forest plans provide strategic direction to guide management of the forest resources and is a framework for decision making on site specific projects and activities. The Carson National Forest is currently in the process of revising its existing planning rules.

View All Features

Spotlights