Welcome to Carson National Forest
On April 22, 2025, we transitioned our public websites to a modern web platform to better serve the public. With thousands of pages to update, some content may take longer to appear. Some old content has been archived during this process, as well.
We appreciate your patience as we work to make it easier than ever to access information and explore your national forests—both online and on the ground. Please send us an email using our Contact Us form if there is something you can't find!
The Carson National Forest spans 1.5 million acres of Northern New Mexico, encompassing portions of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, San Juan Mountains and the San Juan Basin. With elevations ranging from 6,500 to over 13,000 feet, the forest boasts diverse ecosystems, from the sagebrush to alpine and tundra.
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, camping, hunting and fishing. The forest is also home to New Mexico's tallest point, Wheeler Peak at
Conditions
Winter Weather
It's not summer yet! A storm on May 4 dropped an estimated foot of snow in high-elevation areas of the forest. Prepare if you're planning to head out to the high country.
One Less Spark
Despite recent snow, late spring could potentially bring significant fire season conditions. Protect the forest and surrounding communities by following these fire-safe practices.
Popular Spring Topics
Campground Openings
As the weather warms up, find out when campgrounds reopen this spring.
Current Conditions
Springtime is a period of transition with many aspects to consider.
Fuelwood Permits
Get your fuelwood permit early before seasonally closed roads reopen.