Welcome to the Carson National Forest!

Wintertime
is Here!

Fresh air. Fresh snow! The finest mountain scenery in the Southwest is found in the 1.5 million acres of the Carson National Forest. Elevations rise from 6,000 feet to 13,161 feet at Wheeler Peak, the highest in New Mexico. Our mission is to maintain that natural beauty and protect the wildlife that calls it home.

Find Recreation

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!

Updates from the Carson National Forest

  • Prepare for Wildfire Season 2025

    Fire Prevention

    Wildfire preparedness is year-round. As the spring fire season approaches, here are two simple and clear guides for area residents to use this March.

  • Trail Proposed Between Questa and Red River

    View from a bridge of a clear river with snow on the banks, in front of forested hills

    We’re proposing a 11-mile trail along the Red River. Check out the proposal and send in a comment.

  • Rent the Aldo Leopold House

    View from a bridge of a clear river with snow on the banks, in front of forested hills

    The house, built in 1912 in Tres Piedras, is now available for rent for overnight stays. Leopold was the forest’s supervisor and is considered by many to be the father of wildlife ecology.

  • Sign Up for Email Updates

    Graphic of an email envelope in the sky above pine trees

    Get updates about recreation, restoration, wildfire, prescribed fire and more straight to your inbox.

Prepare for your Visit

  • Recreation

    wooden sign in front of Williams Lake and mountains

    Some of the best biking trails in New Mexico, plus skiing, views, prehistoric ruins, ice caves and lava flows.

    Plan Your Adventure

  • Be Prepared

    groups hikes on a mountain rocky path towards higher mountains in the foreground

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

    Maps and Guides

  • Passes/Permits

    Enchantment pass sits atop a post with trees and green leaves in the background

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

    Passes and Permits

  • Enchanted Circle Landscape

    man uses a chainsaw for thinning on a forest

    As part of the national Wildfire Crisis Strategy, the Enchanted Circle landscape is the recipient of a historical investment in wildfire risk reduction.