NEW MEXICO
New Mexico is a diverse and beautiful state that offers a wide range of experiences for visitors. The state is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including the Rocky Mountains, desert mesas, and deep canyons. Visitors can explore ancient Native American ruins, such as Chaco Canyon or Taos Pueblo, or visit modern art museums in Santa Fe. The state is also known for its delicious food, including traditional New Mexican cuisine like green chile and sopapillas. Visitors can also attend festivals and events, such as the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, where hundreds of hot air balloons take to the sky. Overall, a visit to New Mexico is a unique and exciting experience that offers something for everyone.
New Mexico is home to several national forests that offer a diverse range of outdoor experiences. The forests are characterized by towering mountains, deep canyons, and stunning vistas. Visitors can explore the Gila National Forest, which is home to the Gila Wilderness, one of the largest wilderness areas in the country. The Carson National Forest offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, and fishing in its many lakes and streams. The Santa Fe National Forest is located near the city of Santa Fe and offers stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Visitors can also explore the Cibola National Forest, which includes the Sandia Mountains and the Manzano Mountains.
Carson National Forest is a beautiful natural area located in northern New Mexico. The forest covers over 1.5 million acres and is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and black bears. The forest is named after Kit Carson, a legendary explorer and frontiersman who traversed the area in the mid-19th century. Visitors to the forest can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. There are over 330 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging treks to the summit of Wheeler Peak, the highest peak in New Mexico. The forest also has a number of campgrounds, picnic areas, and scenic drives, providing plenty of opportunities to enjoy the stunning mountain scenery. Check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/carson
Camino Real Ranger District
15160 State Road 75, Penasco, NM 87553
(575) 587-2255
Questa Ranger District
184 State Hwy 38, Questa, NM 87556
(575) 586-0520
Jicarilla Ranger District
1110 Rio Vista Lane, Unit #2 Bloomfield, NM 87413
(505) 632-2956
El Rito Ranger District
State Road 554 Building 1221, El Rito, NM 87530
(575) 581-4554
Vehicle Use Map (Tres Piedras, Canjilon and El Rito)
Canjilon Ranger District
P.O. Box 469 Canjilon, NM 87515
(575) 684-2489
Vehicle Use Map (Tres Piedras, Canjilon and El Rito)
Tres Piedras Ranger District
22280 Hwy 64, Tres Piedras, NM 87577
(575) 758-8678
Vehicle Use Map (Tres Piedras, Canjilon and El Rito)
The Santa Fe National Forest is a vast wilderness area located in northern New Mexico. The forest covers over 1.6 million acres and offers visitors a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, black bears, and mountain lions, and it is a popular destination for birdwatchers due to its diverse bird populations. Visitors can explore over 1,000 miles of trails that wind through the rugged mountains and stunning landscapes of the forest. The forest also includes several historic sites, including the Pecos National Historical Park, which features ancient Puebloan ruins and a Spanish mission dating back to the 17th century. Find out more here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/santafe/
Coyote Ranger District
20 Private Drive 1707, Box 1 Coyote, NM 87012-0001
(575) 638-5526
Cuba Ranger District
P.O. Box 130 Cuba, NM 87013
(575) 289-3264
Espanola Ranger District
18537 US 84/285 Suite B Espanola, NM 87532
(505) 753-7331
Jemez Ranger District
P.O. Box 150 Jemez Springs, NM 87025
(575) 829-3535
Pecos Ranger District
P.O. Drawer 429 Pecos, NM 87552
(505) 757-6121
Las Vegas Ranger District
1926 N. 7th Street Las Vegas, NM 87701
(505) 425-3534
Vehicle Use Maps: (Santa Fe, East), (Santa Fe, Northwest), (Santa Fe, Southwest)
The Lincoln National Forest is a beautiful natural area located in southern New Mexico. The forest covers over 1.1 million acres and is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and elk. The forest is named after President Abraham Lincoln, who signed the law establishing the forest in 1902. Visitors to the forest can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. There are over 500 miles of trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging treks to the summit of Sierra Blanca Peak, the highest peak in southern New Mexico. The forest also includes several historic sites, including the Lincoln Historic Site, which preserves the history of the Lincoln County War and the famous outlaw, Billy the Kid. Find out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/lincoln
Smokey Bear Ranger District
901 Mechem Dr. Ruidoso, NM 88345
(575) 257-4095
Vehicle Use Maps: (Smokey Bear and Sacramento, Front), (Smokey Bear and Sacramento, Back)
Sacramento Ranger District
4 Lost Lodge Rd Cloudcroft, NM 88317
(575) 682-2551
Vehicle Use Maps: (Smokey Bear and Sacramento, Front), (Smokey Bear and Sacramento, Back)
Guadalupe Ranger District
5203 Buena Vista Drive Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 885-4181
The Gila National Forest is a beautiful natural area located in southwestern New Mexico. The forest covers over 3.3 million acres and is known for its rugged mountains, deep canyons, and vast wilderness areas. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, elk, and rare Mexican gray wolves. Visitors to the forest can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. There are over 800 miles of trails, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging treks through the wilderness. The forest also includes several natural hot springs, including the popular Gila Hot Springs, which offer a relaxing soak after a long day of hiking. The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, located within the forest, is a must-see attraction that preserves the ruins of ancient Puebloan dwellings dating back to the 13th century. Find out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/gila
Black Range Ranger District
1804 N. Date Street, Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, 87901
(575) 894-6677
Vehicle Use Maps: (Black Range, Silver City & Wilderness, Front), (Black Range, Silver City & Wilderness, Back)
Silver City Ranger District
3005 E Camino del Bosque, Silver City, NM 88061
(575) 388-8201
Vehicle Use Maps: (Black Range, Silver City & Wilderness, Front), (Black Range, Silver City & Wilderness, Back)
Wilderness Ranger District
3697 Hwy 35 N., HC 68 Box 50, Mimbres, NM 88049
(575) 536-2250
Vehicle Use Maps: (Black Range, Silver City & Wilderness, Front), (Black Range, Silver City & Wilderness, Back)
Glenwood Ranger District
Hwy 180 S, 18 Ranger Station Rd., P.O. Box 8, Glenwood, NM 88039
(575) 539-2481
Vehicle Use Maps: (Quemado, Reserve, & Glenwood, Front), (Quemado, Reserve, & Glenwood, Back)
Reserve Ranger District
5 Smokey Bear Circle, P.O. Box 170, Reserve, NM 87830
(575) 533-6232
Vehicle Use Maps: (Quemado, Reserve, & Glenwood, Front), (Quemado, Reserve, & Glenwood, Back)
Quemado Ranger District
#3 Lyle Loop, P.O. Box 159, Quemado, NM 87829
(575) 773-4678
Vehicle Use Maps: (Quemado, Reserve, & Glenwood, Front), (Quemado, Reserve, & Glenwood, Back)
Twelve widely separated mountain ranges make up the 1.78 million acre Coronado National Forest in southeast Arizona (plus one section in New Mexico). Known as ‘sky islands’, these forested peaks are surrounded by arid desert at much lower elevations, and harbor many species of wildlife. The largest component is west of Sierra Vista and contains the Coronado National Memorial; other parts include the Santa Catalina Mountains east of Tucson and the Chiricahua Mountains enclosing Chiricahua National Monument. Check out additional information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/coronado
Douglas Ranger District
1192 West Saddleview Rd. Douglas, AZ 85607
(520) 364-3468
Nogales Ranger District
303 Old Tucson Rd. Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 281-2296
Vehicle Use Maps: (Nogales & Sierra Vista, Front), (Nogales & Sierra Vista, Back)
Safford Ranger District
711 14th Avenue, Suite D Safford, AZ 85546
(928) 428-4150
Santa Catalina Ranger District
5700 N. Sabino Canyon Rd. Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 749-8700
Sierra Vista Ranger District
4070 South Avenida Saracino Hereford, AZ 85615
(520) 378-0311
Vehicle Use Maps: (Nogales & Sierra Vista, Front), (Nogales & Sierra Vista, Back)
The Cibola National Forest is a diverse and expansive natural wonder located in New Mexico and Oklahoma. The forest covers over 1.6 million acres of land, and its rugged terrain includes mountains, canyons, and mesas. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing in the forest. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, which spans over 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada, passes through the forest, offering hikers a chance to experience some of the most stunning vistas and unique geological formations in the region. The forest is also home to several recreational areas, including the Sandia Peak Tramway, which offers a panoramic view of the Rio Grande Valley, as well as several developed campgrounds and picnic areas. Find out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/cibola
Mt. Taylor Ranger District
1800 Lobo Canyon Rd. Grants, NM 87020
(505) 287-8833
Vehicle Use Maps: (Mt. Taylor, Front), (Mt. Taylor, Back)
Magdalena Ranger District
203 First St. Magdalena, NM 87825
(575) 854-2281
Vehicle Use Maps: (Magdalena, Front), (Magdalena, Back)
Mountainair Ranger District
40 Ranger Station Rd. Mountainair, NM 87036
(505) 847-2990
Vehicle Use Maps: (Mountainair, Front), (Mountainair, Back)
Sandia Ranger District
11776 Hwy. 337 Tijeras, NM 87059
(505) 281-3304
Vehicle Use Maps: (Sandia, Front), (Sandia, Back)
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages a diverse range of public lands in New Mexico that offer a wide range of outdoor experiences. The lands managed by the BLM in New Mexico include deserts, mountains, grasslands, and
canyons. Visitors can explore the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, which features unique rock formations and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The BLM lands in New Mexico also offer opportunities for
hiking, camping, and off-road vehicle use in areas such as the El Malpais National Conservation Area and the Mescalero Sands North Dune Off-Highway Vehicle Area. Additionally, visitors can explore cultural and historic sites,
such as the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, which features ancient rock carvings.
The Albuquerque District is a diverse region located in central New Mexico. The district includes Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico, as well as several smaller towns and rural areas. Albuquerque is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and theaters showcasing the best of New Mexican art and music. The district is also home to several historic sites, including the Old Town Plaza, which preserves the history of Albuquerque’s colonial past. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the district’s proximity to the Sandia Mountains, which offer hiking, camping, and skiing opportunities just a short drive from the city. The Rio Grande River runs through the district, providing ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife watching. Check out more information here! https://www.blm.gov/office/albuquerque-district-office
Rio Puerco Field Office
100 Sun Avenue, NE Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505)761-8700
Socorro Field Office
901 South Highway 85, Socorro, NM 87801-4168
(575)835-0412
The Farmington District is a region located in the northwest corner of New Mexico. The district is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, which features unique rock formations and hoodoos, and the Chaco Culture National Historical Park, which preserves the ruins of ancient Puebloan communities. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the district’s proximity to the San Juan River, which offers some of the best fly fishing in the region, and the Navajo Lake State Park, which provides opportunities for boating, camping, and hiking. The district is also home to several cultural sites, including the Aztec Ruins National Monument and the Salmon Ruins Museum, which both offer a glimpse into the area’s rich history. Check out more information here! https://www.blm.gov/office/farmington-district-office
Farmington Field Office
6251 College Blvd., Suite A Farmington, NM 87402
(505)564-7600
Taos Field Office
1024 Paseo del Pueblo Sur Taos, NM 87571-5983
(575)758-8851
The Las Cruces District is a region located in southern New Mexico. The district is known for its sunny climate, stunning desert landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Las Cruces, the largest city in the district, is home to several historic sites, including the Mesilla Plaza, which played a prominent role in the American Civil War, and the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, which showcases the history of agriculture in the region. The district also includes several natural attractions, such as the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, which offers hiking and rock climbing opportunities, and the White Sands National Park, which features miles of white gypsum sand dunes. Visitors can also enjoy the district’s local cuisine, which includes traditional New Mexican dishes like green chile enchiladas and carne adovada. Check out more information here! https://www.blm.gov/office/las-cruces-district-office
Las Cruces District Office
1800 Marquess Street Las Cruces, NM 88005-3371
(575)525-4300
The Pecos District is a region located in northeastern New Mexico, known for its rugged landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The district includes the Pecos National Historical Park, which preserves the ruins of the Pecos Pueblo, an ancient Native American community, and the Santa Fe National Forest, which offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing. The district is also home to several historic sites, including the Fort Union National Monument, which was once a major military outpost during the 19th century. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the district’s stunning mountain scenery, which includes the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Carson National Forest. Visitors can also explore the charming small towns in the area, such as Las Vegas and Mora, which offer a glimpse into the region’s rich Hispanic and Native American cultures. Check out more information here! https://www.blm.gov/office/pecos-district-office
Carlsbad Field Office
620 E. Greene Street Carlsbad, NM 88220-6292
(575)234-5972
Roswell Field Station
2909 West Second Street Roswell, NM 88201-1287
(575)627-0272
The grasslands in New Mexico, specifically the Kiowa National Grassland, cover approximately 230,000 acres and consist mainly of shortgrass prairie. The prairie is home to a variety of grasses, forbs, and shrubs that provide important habitats for many wildlife species. The landscape is characterized by rolling hills, mesas, and buttes, with occasional rock outcroppings and shallow canyons. The grasslands are also home to several species of prairie dogs and a variety of raptors, including golden eagles and red-tailed hawks.
The Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands are located in the southern Great Plains region of the United States and are managed by the same district, the Kiowa National Grassland Ranger District. Both grasslands consist primarily of shortgrass prairie and provide important habitats for a variety of wildlife species. The management of both grasslands focuses on preserving and restoring the health of the prairie ecosystem, while also balancing the needs of various uses such as grazing and recreation. Grazing is an important use of the grasslands, and they provide opportunities for recreational activities such as hiking, hunting, and birdwatching. The management by the same district allows for coordinated efforts to protect and preserve these important landscapes. Check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/cibola/home/?cid=fsbdev3_065702
Kiowa National Grasslands Ranger District
714 Main St. Clayton, NM 88415
(575) 374-9652
tips and tricks
New Mexico has a high desert climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Be sure to check the weather forecast before your trip to ensure you pack the appropriate clothing.
New Mexican cuisine is a unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican influences. Some popular dishes include green chile stew, enchiladas, and sopapillas. Be sure to try the local cuisine while you’re visiting!
New Mexico is known for its stunning natural beauty, including national parks, forests, and wilderness areas. Some popular destinations include the Carlsbad Caverns National Park, the White Sands National Park, and the Bandelier National Monument.
do’s and dont’s
Respect the local culture! New Mexico has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors should be respectful of the state’s Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures.
New Mexico has a lot of open land, but much of it is private property. Respect landowners’ rights and avoid trespassing.
New Mexico can experience extreme weather conditions, including flash floods, thunderstorms, and blizzards. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast and heed any warnings or advisories.
