About the Area
The Carson National Forest covers 1.5 million acres and is located in beautiful Northern New Mexico. Elevations rise from 6,000 feet to 13,161 feet at Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico.
The Carson offers year 'round attractions. Visitors enjoy the cool calm quietness of the forest in the hot summer months for fishing, hunting, hiking and camping.
The Carson contains 86,193 acres of wilderness, where no mechanized equipment is permitted. Travel is restricted to horseback or by foot. Backpacking and day hiking are popular in these undisturbed landscapes.
There are 330 miles of trails providing for hiking, mountain biking, and 4-wheel drive exploring. Just outside of Taos is one of the best mountain bike trails in the country.
Winter activities include downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, sledding and snowmoÂbiling. Some of the finest skiing in the United States happens on the Carson. Downhill skiing is available at Taos Ski Valley, Sipapu and Red River. The Enchanted Forest offers groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.