Some of the finest mountain scenery in the Southwest is found in the 1.6-million-acre Santa Fe National Forest. Here, you can find the headwaters of Pecos, Jemez, and Gallinas Rivers; mountain streams; lakes; and trout fishing. Travel into Pecos, San Pedro Parks, Chama, and Dome Wildernesses via wilderness pack trips, saddle, or on 1,000 miles of hiking trails. Try whitewater rafting on the Rio Chama or Rio Grande from May to September. Consider turkey, elk, deer, and bear hunting, or visit one of many nearby Indian pueblos, Spanish missions, and Indian ruins. Golden aspen grace the high country from September to October and snow blankets Santa Fe Ski Basin in winter.
Abandoned campfires can cause destructive wildfires. Pay attention to fire restrictions throughout the state. And always practice proper campfire procedures. Don’t leave until your campfire is completely out and cool to the touch.
Click on the image to the left for tips on building a campfire and putting it out.
To protect public health and safety, and the health and safety of our employees and volunteers, and reflecting federal and state guidance to limit the spread of COVID-19, developed recreation sites are currently closed and group sizes are limited in other areas.
We are accepting comments on proposed changes to the management of the developed recreation program. These changes will impact campgrounds and day-use sites on the Carson, Gila, Lincoln, and Santa Fe National Forests, and the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands. Comment period ends December 31, 2020.
A comprehensive and captivating history of fire lookouts on the Santa Fe National Forest by Barbara Zinn, who staffs the Barillas Lookout Tower during fire season.
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