Reserve Ranger District
Reserve is located in western New Mexico near the Arizona border. The elevation is 5,832 feet above sea level. The population of Reserve is approximately 500 and is the county seat of Catron County, the largest in New Mexico. The nearest full-service town is Springerville, Arizona around 63 miles away.
The average annual temperature is 54 degrees. May is the driest month of the year while July is the wettest. The annual average precipitation is 15 inches.
The Gila National Forest and the Reserve Ranger District are renowned for their world class elk hunting areas with good fishing in the nearby streams and lakes The Reserve area offers many opportunities for camping, fishing and hiking, and the gateway to the Gila Wilderness is south of Reserve.
Contact the district office at 575-533-6232
General Information
The Reserve Ranger District is one of the largest districts in the northern portion of the Gila National Forest. Grass plains, chaparral, woodland, pine and mixed conifer habitats are found within the 613,119 acres that make up the district. Elevations are moderate to high and range from 5,300 feet to 9,786 feet. There are four developed campgrounds located on the district. The district boasts 155 miles of trail including 55 miles on the Continental Divide. Approximately 2,789 miles of roads occur throughout the area, many of which are primitive (dirt) roads. The district's southern border is the Gila Wilderness, providing several backcountry hiking opportunities. A large portion of the district is relatively untouched, providing the abundance of big game, small game, and fishing, making the area a "hunter's paradise", known worldwide.
Passes & Permits
There is a daily fee for use of Dipping Vat Campground, located at Snow Lake. No other fees are assessed on the Reserve Ranger District.
Rentals & Guides
Please contact the Gila National Forest Supervisors Office at 575-388-8201 for information about outfitters and guides who are authorized to operate on the forest.