Forests in New Mexico

New Mexico is home to five major national forests, which are aggregated on this page. These include the Carson National Forest, Cibola National Forest, Gila National Forest, Lincoln National Forest, and Santa Fe National Forest. Together, these forests cover more than 9 million acres of public land.

The primary activities in New Mexico's forests are hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling. The extensive trail networks support these human-powered sports across varied terrain. There are more than 300 documented routes available for activities ranging from jogging to gravel biking.

At 3.3 million acres, the Gila National Forest is the largest national forest in New Mexico. The Cibola and Santa Fe National Forests are also substantial, each covering approximately 1.6 million acres. The Gila is known for its rugged mountains, deep canyons, and for containing the world's first designated wilderness area.

The Cibola National Forest offers over 40 hiking trails, with the La Luz Trail in the Sandia Mountains being one of the most well-known. This challenging trail climbs over 7.5 miles (12 km) to the crest of the mountains. Other routes explore the forest's "sky island" mountain ranges, which are separated by desert basins.

Santa Fe National Forest contains over 100 routes for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling. The Nambe Lake Trail is a notable hike that leads to a high-elevation alpine lake in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The forest's trail system traverses landscapes from river gorges to high mountain meadows.

The Carson National Forest is known for containing Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico at 13,161 feet (4,011 m). The challenging Wheeler Peak Trail is a popular route for experienced hikers. The forest offers diverse ecosystems, from sagebrush flats to alpine tundra, with routes for hiking, mountain biking, and cycling.

Yes, family-friendly and easy hikes are available within New Mexico's forests. For example, the Osha Trail Loop in the Lincoln National Forest near Cloudcroft is a relatively short and gentle loop suitable for a wider range of abilities. Many forests have shorter, well-marked paths in addition to more strenuous backcountry trails.

There are more than 150 documented hiking trails across New Mexico's five major national forests. These range from short nature walks to strenuous, multi-day backpacking routes. Notable trails include the La Luz Trail in the Cibola National Forest and the Catwalk National Recreation Trail in the Gila National Forest.

Yes, New Mexico's forests offer numerous mountain biking opportunities, with over 50 designated trails available. The Cibola National Forest and Santa Fe National Forest each have approximately 20 mountain bike trails. These routes traverse a variety of terrain, from piñon-juniper woodlands to high-elevation conifer forests.

New Mexico's forests are intrinsically linked to its mountains, as the forests typically encompass major mountain ranges. For example, Carson National Forest includes parts of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, while Cibola National Forest is characterized by its "sky island" mountain ranges like the Sandias and Manzanos. The elevation changes within these mountains create the diverse forest ecosystems, from ponderosa pine to subalpine fir.