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Plateau to Peaks


Vist the enchanted lands of Northern New Mexico, from the deep Rio Grande Gorge canyon to the tallest peak in the state!

Plan Your Visit

Welcome to Carson National Forest

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.

The Latest

Taos Canyon Forest and Watershed Restoration Project

A scenic view over Taos Canyon

Comment on the proposed project, which aims to restore forest and watershed health and reduce the risk of wildfire to communities within an 83,000-acre area in and around Taos Canyon.

Website Transition

Drawing of a desktop keyboard and computer screen with an image of mountains and trees.

We recently transitioned our website to a modern platform to better serve you. With hundreds of pages to update, some content may take longer to appear, and some content has been archived. Please email us if there is something you can't find!

Know Before You Go

One Less Spark

Smokey Bear and two cubs feel a campfire for heat.

Protect the forest and surrounding communities by following these fire-safe practices.

Douglas-Fir Tussock Moths

Close-up of a Douglas-fir tussock moth.

It’s a native insect, essentially doing its thing, but there are safety concerns when you're around them.

Current Conditions

Rolling hills in an open aspen and pine forest.

Springtime is a period of transition with many aspects to consider.

Recent Press Releases

Fire Managers Call All Prescribed Fires Out

Release Date: May 1st, 2025

Permanent Jobs in Wildland Fire Open

Release Date: April 14th, 2025