Enchantment Pass

As a visitor to the forest, you have options for paying day-use fees.

1. Pay each time you visit the site.
2. Purchase a site-specific pass, like the Enchantment pass.
3. Buy an Interagency Pass.

Enchantment Pass is valid at all US Forest Service operated day-use (standard amenity fee) sites in New Mexico: Carson National Forest, Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands, Gila National Forest, Lincoln National Forest, and Santa Fe National Forest.

The Enchantment Pass: 

• Provides you unlimited access during the year to any day-use fee site within New Mexico National Forests and Grasslands.
• Admits the pass holder and occupants of a single, private non-commercial vehicle OR pass holder and three persons (16 and older), not to exceed 4 adults at sites that charge a per person fee. Children 15 and younger are admitted free of charge.
• Is less expensive at $40.00.

Interagency passes cost more, but include more federal land management agency sites. The best pass for you really depends on which sites in which states you plan to visit and how often.

Enchantment Pass Rules and Benefits

• Valid for one year from the month of purchase.
• Regardless of the day the pass is purchased, it is valid through the last day of the month the following year.
• For example, if you purchase a pass on October 1, it will not expire until the end of October the following year.
• Enchantment Pass is valid at all US Forest Service operated day-use (standard amenity fee) sites in New Mexico: Carson National Forest, Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands, Gila National Forest, Lincoln National Forest, and Santa Fe National Forest.
• This pass admits the pass holder and occupants of a single, private non-commercial vehicle OR pass holder and three persons (16 and older), not to exceed 4 adults at sites that charge a per person fee. Children 15 and younger are admitted free of charge.
• This pass is not valid for Expanded Amenity Fees such as camping, tours, Special Recreation Permit, boat launches, or concessionaire fees.
• Must be displayed, or the details provided in the fee use envelope, when visiting unstaffed recreation areas that charge a standard amenity day use fee.
• Enchantment Passes are punched with an expiration date at the time they are sold/issued.
• Must be signed by the pass owner(s) to be valid.
• Passes are non-transferable. The pass belongs only to the signer(s).
• If giving the pass as a gift or giveaway, let the recipient sign the pass.
• Individuals or families can obtain one free Enchantment Annual Pass with 24 volunteer hours.

How it Works

Purchase a pass from one of the participating district offices. The pass is not valid until signed by the owner of the pass. If buying for someone else, let the recipient sign the pass. When visiting a site, write "Enchantment Pass" on the fee envelope and include:

• Your name
• Vehicle plate number
• Pass expiration date

Can Passes be Purchased as a Gift?

Yes. When purchasing the Enchantment Pass as a gift, make sure the pass is punched. Let the gift recipient know the pass must be signed before it can be used. 

Can Passes be Purchased for Giveaways or Raffles?

Yes. The public and federal agencies may purchase Enchantment Passes at the current, full pass price to give away as raffle prizes.

Can Damaged Passes be Replaced?

Yes, damaged passes can be replaced as long as a portion of it is identifiable. Please visit a participating office and provide identification to validate ownership.

Can Lost or Stolen Passes be Replaced?

Lost or stolen passes cannot be replaced. To respect your privacy when purchasing a pass, the Forest Service does not keep personal information and does not have the capability to track or cancel passes.

Certain sites within National Forest Service Lands require you to either pay a fee on site, or use a recreation pass. Day-use sites and sites with facilities are an example of sites that charge fees. Whether you need to pay a fee or obtain a pass depends on the sites you plan to visit. The best pass for you depends on how often you'll visit and other criteria.

Let us help you determine which pass is right for you.

The Enchantment Pass is Accepted at