Recreation

Rising from deserts, meadows and grasslands, the mesas, canyons and peaks of the Santa Fe National Forest are a place for re-creation. Whether you are gathering with family or gathering pinon nuts or firewood, the forest is a "querencia" - a special place. The past meets the present in this environment where year-round day use, water-focused recreation and trail opportunities offer a refuge in the cool mountain air. Thousands of cultural and archaeological sites reflect the Santa Fe National Forest’s rich historical heritage and the many cultures that value this landscape.

Current Recreation Conditions

Spotlights

Espanola Ranger District

Española Ranger District contains the western segment of the iconic Pecos Wilderness, the Caja Del Rio Plateau, and many more scenic areas. The Truchas Peaks border the Pecos/Las Vegas and Española ranger district boundaries and are a popular hiking destination. Every fall, people are drawn to Hyde Park Road to view the enchanting golden fall foliage of the quaking aspen.  There are plenty of developed sites to stop and enjoy the view! Both the Santa Fe and Los Alamos areas have trails nearby maintained by the Forest Service, providing an escape from city life and the summer heat.

There are four geographic regions that make up the Espanola Ranger District within the Santa Fe National Forest. These are the Forest lands South of Abiquiu, the Forest lands around Los Alamos, the Forest Lands West of Santa Fe known as the Caja del Rio, and the Forest Land North of Santa Fe within the Sangre de Cristo Range. A general map of popular recreation sites and trails in each of these areas can be seen by selecting the map area of interest below:

• General recreation areas within the Espanola District
• Abiquiu Area
• Los Alamos Area
• Caja del Rio Area
• Borrego Mesa Area
• Aspen Basin Area
• Santa Fe Area Trails
• North Espanola Area Trails

Map Disclaimer

 

Coyote Ranger District

The Coyote Ranger District, the northernmost district of the Santa Fe National Forest, encompasses 265,100 acres. The Chama River Canyon Wilderness and the northern section of the San Pedro Parks Wilderness provide amazing recreation opportunities. Visitors delight in floating the Wild and Scenic Rio Chama or hiking in the San Pedro Parks to escape the summer heat. The Coyote Ranger District also has 40 miles of the famous Continental Divide Scenic Trail system passing through its canyons and forests.

Cuba Ranger District

The Cuba Ranger District is located in the western part of the Santa Fe National Forest and shares the San Pedro Parks Wilderness with the Coyote Ranger District. San Pedro Parks Wilderness is easily accessed through the San Gregorio Lake Trailhead, and the district also provides access to the Continental Divide Scenic Trail. The Rio De Las Vacas and Clear Creek Campgrounds provide visitors with scenic views of the surrounding mountains. It’s the perfect weekend getaway and a respite from the New Mexico summer heat. Bull elk bugle in the fall, and quaking aspen change their colors to gold as temperatures cool.

Jemez Ranger District

The Jemez Ranger District is home to the Jemez National Recreation Area, located within the Jemez Mountains. A drive through the district reveals multiple cultural landmarks and impressive geological formations. Red rock canyons, round peaks, colorful mesas and clear blue skies provide an inspiring backdrop. Cottonwood gallery forests dot the lower recreation sites and provide shade for anglers in the summer, turning brilliant hues of gold and yellow in the fall. In the higher elevations, quaking aspen take over and display their foliage of gold and red. Trails lead to hot springs and waterfalls, glimpses of the Valles Caldera, and majestic views of the mountains. A visit to the district will leave you enchanted by the land that the people of the Jemez Pueblo have lived in for generations.

Closure Information

Pecos - Las Vegas Ranger District

NOTICE: Parts of the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District are currently under a closure order. Please see the main Santa Fe National Forest homepage for more information about what areas are closed. 

The Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District is home to the iconic Pecos Wilderness, and the headwaters of the Pecos River originate from the district. A vast system of trails provide plenty of day hiking and backpacking for adventure seekers of all levels. Multiple campgrounds like Jack’s Creek, Iron Gate and Panchuela make great base camps for those exploring the wilderness. The Wild and Scenic Pecos River Corridor provides excellent stream fishing. The district, which extends east toward Las Vegas, is rich with history and wildlife. The Las Vegas side has trails that also extend into the Pecos Wilderness. From hunting to hiking, recreation opportunities on this district are plentiful.