Carson National Forest

Contact Information

Carson National Forest
208 Cruz Alta Road
Taos, NM 87571
(575) 758-6200

Welcome

Please note:

Forest-wide Stage 2 fire restrictions are in effect. No campfires allowed.

Scenic view with snow dappled mountain as backdrop

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. More information about the forest

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.

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. More information on Recreation Opportunities.

Additional Recreation Opportunities in Northern New Mexico

Forest Plan Revision

Version 2 of the Carson NF Preliminary Draft Proposed Plan (PDPP), Detailed Alternative Descriptions, and Alternative Comparison Table are now available on the PDPP webpage. The PDPP-V2 includes desired conditions, objectives, standards, and guidelines for the entire forest (Forest-wide), as well as designated areas and management areas. PDPP-V2 is based on internal, cooperating agency, and public comment on PDPP-V1 posted in July 2017.

Also available for public review is an updated version of the Draft Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Evaluation (posted January 2018), which has been revised based on public comment. This evaluation includes a summary of public comments received thus far, with responses.

An updated version of Potential Species of Conservation Concern Report is available for public review.

Check out our Flickr , Facebook and Twitter sites for some great pictures and the latest Forest updates.

Features

Proposal to add new recreation sites to rental program

Aldo Leopold Mi Casita

The Carson National Forest is seeking to add a historic cabin on the Tres Piedras Ranger District and a group shelter on the Camino Real Ranger District to the rental program. The next step in the process is to present the proposal before the BLM Resource Advisory Council (RAC) near the end of calendar year 2017.

The overnight rental of cabins and group shelters is popular with the public for providing a unique recreational experience staying in historic Forest Service cabins while providing revenue for the ongoing maintenance and renovation of these historic buildings.