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.
Here in the Southwestern Region, we feel a particularly close connection to Smokey Bear and his message of fire-prevention. We are the home of the orphaned black bear cub that would become a living symbol. While we celebrate 75 years of Smokey Bear as an integral part of the nation’s popular culture, let’s take a look back at his captivating story!
The Forest Plan guides the Santa Fe National Forest in fulfilling its stewardship responsibilities to best meet the current and future needs of the American people. The draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) and revised draft land management plan (Draft Forest Plan) are now available on our website for public review.
These versions are being provided as a preview prior to the official comment period which is expected to being this summer. We are not soliciting comments at this time. We ask that the public review these documents now but wait until the official comment period to submit to comments. Notification will be posted here when the official 90-day comment period has begun. Also check back for more information on our public meeting schedule and how to comment.
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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