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The Great Outdoors Has Never Been Better
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.
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!
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Current Closure and Fire Information
Due to the extreme fire danger, the Carson National Forest is under a Stage III forest closure.
Plan An Unforgettable Experience
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Recreation
Skiing, views, prehistoric ruins, ice caves, lava flows, and some of the best biking trails in New Mexico.
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Be Prepared
Maps are available in all formats and for all devices. Plan ahead by mapping your adventure.
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Passes/Permits
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
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Caring for the Land
Learn about how we work to preserve endangered species like the Mexican Spotted Owl and the New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse, Forest Plans and NEPA Projects which reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires.
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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.