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Adventure Beckons
From the desert to the mountains, discover your next destination on the Lincoln National Forest.
Welcome to the Lincoln National Forest
The Lincoln National Forest has not one, but three major mountain ranges: Sacramento, Guadalupe and Capitan that cover 1.1 million acres in southeastern New Mexico. Elevations range from 4,000 to 11,500 feet and pass through five life zones from Chihuahuan desert to sub-alpine forest. It offers a range of recreational activities including hiking, picnicking, mountain biking, camping, and dirt bike riding. It is also home to Smokey Bear who was found on the Lincoln National Forest in 1950.
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Lincoln National Forest Reopens
The Lincoln National Forest reopened on Friday, June 24, 2022, at 8am after being closed for a month due to fire danger. All three districts of the national forest received substantial rain over the past two weeks. Forest lands, roads, trails, recreation sites, and campgrounds will again be open to visitors.
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Fire Information
Review fire restrictions before your visit to prevent causing a wildfire. Check for prescribed fires or active wildfires on the forest.
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Passes and Permits
Some activities on the forest require a pass or permit like firewood collection, Christmas tree cutting, filming/photography, guiding, outfitting and holding events in the forest.
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After the Fire
Keep up to date with burned area emergency response. The Lincoln National Forest is identifing threats to human safety, property, nature and cultural resources on the National Forest after the fire.
Discover More About the Lincoln National Forest
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Caring for the Land
National Forests contribute essential elements to our well-being, including clean air, water and soil. Find out how we are improving the health of the Lincoln National Forest through proper planning and forest restoration projects.
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Spotlights
Unlocking the Science Behind Reforestation on the Lincoln National Forest
Tucked back in carefully chosen locations on the Lincoln, baby trees poke up among the blackened logs remaining from fires. These fledgling trees aren’t here by accident.
Mineral Withdrawal Requested to Protect Caves
The Forest Service filed an application to withdraw 28,513.30 acres of land from mineral exploration and development to protect the Guadalupe Cave Resource Protection Area.
Forest Technician Saves Lost Hikers By Turning Water Tanks into Compasses
A forest technician with the US Forest Service, is on a mission to save lost hikers and hunters by using water tanks as navaiagtion features.
Understanding the Importance of Fire in the Forest
Fire has been used for decades to remove excessive amounts of forest debris but prescribed fire remains an enigma to some urban dwellers who only visit the forest occasionally.
