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Welcome to the Southwestern Region
Expect Adventure
Explore the diverse landscapes of southwestern forests, from red rock desert to alpine vistas.
The Southwestern Region covers more than 20.6 million acres, boasting thousands of recreation opportunities spread across six national forests in Arizona, five national forests and a national grassland in New Mexico, and one national grassland each in Oklahoma and the Texas panhandle. The elevation ranges from 1,600 feet above sea level and an annual rainfall of 8 inches in Arizona's lower Sonoran Desert to 13,171-foot high Wheeler Peak and over 35 inches of precipitation a year in northern New Mexico.
photo credit: Carnero Lake, Kathy Ritter
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Find a Getaway
The Southwest Region is brimming with opportunities for all kinds of outdoor recreation. There is something for everyone!
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Be Prepared
Plan for your next adventure by purchasing a map and browsing our publications. Maps can be purchased online or in-person.
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Passes and Permits
Most national forest system lands are open, free of charge for your use and enjoyment. Several types of passes and permits exist for sites that require fees, and for commercial and special uses.
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Caring for the Land
In the Southwestern Region, the Forest Service is tasked with managing public lands brimming with natural resources and diverse wildlife. The Forest Service works to protect at-risk species like the Mexican spotted owl and New Mexican jumping mouse, ensure forest health through safe logging and grazing practices, and restore critical ecosystems.
Features
Lincoln National Forest technician creates innovative resource for lost visitors
Sam, a Forestry Technician with the US Forest Service, is on a mission to save lost hikers and hunters on the Guadalupe Ranger District (or at least help them save themselves) through turning existing structures known as "trickle tanks" into orienteering tools.
Great American Outdoors Act in the Southwest
The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) enables federal land managers to take aggressive steps to address deferred maintenance and other infrastructure projects on national forests and grasslands. The Forest Service will use these funds to maximize the benefits experienced by millions of Americans who visit and use their national forests and rangelands. Projects funded by this act will focus on reducing deferred maintenance and other infrastructure projects and thereby improve the conditions and resiliency of our nation’s forests for present and future generations.