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Carson National Forest

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Overview

The Carson National Forest is one of five National Forests in New Mexico. The National Forests are America's Great outdoors, here to serve the American people at work and play!

Some of the finest mountain scenery in the Southwest is found in the 1.5 million acres covered by the Carson National Forest. Elevations rise from 6,000 feet to 13,161 feet at Wheeler Peak, the highest in New Mexico. Our objective is to maintain that natural beauty.

The Carson National Forest offers unlimited recreational opportunities in any season. The magnificent mountain scenery and cool summer temperatures lure vacationers to enjoy the peace and quiet, for fishing, hunting, camping, and hiking. Winter activities include skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.

Some recreation areas have undergone new and exciting renovations to make the National Forest lands accessible to all. Plans are being implemented to make additional recreation areas accessible.

Camping & Lodging

There are many established campgrounds available; with drinking water, toilets and without drinking water.

For those who want to get away, the Carson provides opportunities for back-country car and backpack camping. With few exceptions, visitors can roam the woods at will, wrapped in a cloak of peace and quiet. For more information, ask for a camping guide to the Carson.

Other Activities

Some of the finest alpine downhill skiing in the US is found at Taos Ski Valley, Red River and Sipapu Ski Areas. All are located within the forest. In addition, Angel Fire, Rio Costilla Ski Areas and Enchanted Forest-Cross Country Ski Area are located on nearby private lands.

Recommended Routes in Carson National Forest - 8

MTB Project is built by riders like you. Add Your Recommended Routes

Favorite Steep slope traverse
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

East Fork to Lost Lake

13.9 mi 22.3 km 2,327' Up 709.21 m Up 2,319' Down 706.85 m Down

Taos Sk…, NM
Explore in 3D
Favorite No Photos
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

Taos Guac-Amole Challenge 2022 Course

8.8 mi 14.1 km 1,237' Up 377.15 m Up 1,205' Down 367.42 m Down

Ranchos…, NM
Explore in 3D
Favorite A meadow just under Greenie Peak.
Very Difficult Very Difficult

Greenie Peak and Back

28.8 mi 46.3 km 5,280' Up 1609.39 m Up 5,281' Down 1609.8 m Down

Red River, NM
Explore in 3D
Favorite From the junction with the Frazer Mountain Road the Marmot Trail heads up to the left, and the Bighorn Trail down to the right.
Difficult Difficult

Hike-a-Bike 'till You Ride!

14.9 mi 23.9 km 3,226' Up 983.18 m Up 3,229' Down 984.2 m Down

Taos Sk…, NM
Explore in 3D
Favorite Orange Crush among the bristlecones!
Intermediate Intermediate

Woodpile

17.3 mi 27.8 km 2,486' Up 757.79 m Up 2,486' Down 757.66 m Down

Ranchos…, NM
Explore in 3D
Favorite Riding across an overlook on the Frazer Mountain Road
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

Northside - Alpine Wildflower Loop

10.3 mi 16.5 km 2,180' Up 664.42 m Up 2,186' Down 666.26 m Down

Taos Sk…, NM
Explore in 3D
Favorite Needed more speed
Intermediate Intermediate

Enchanted Forest XC Singletrack

5.5 mi 8.8 km 664' Up 202.43 m Up 676' Down 206.13 m Down

Red River, NM
Explore in 3D
Favorite Third climb along Bull of the Woods road
Intermediate Intermediate

Strike it Rich

5.3 mi 8.5 km 1,126' Up 343.07 m Up 1,119' Down 341.18 m Down

Taos Sk…, NM
Explore in 3D

Carson National Forest Biking

  • 228 Miles 368 Kilometers of Trail
  • 8 Recommended Routes
  • 5 Easy Trails Easy Trails
  • 52 Intermediate Trails Intermediate Trails
  • 26 Difficult Trails Difficult Trails
MTB Project is built by riders like you. Share what you know about this area!

Areas Within Carson National Forest

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Trails in Carson National Forest - 75

MTB Project is built by riders like you. Add Your Trails

4.8 mi 7.8 km #1Lost Lake Trail #91
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Red River, NM
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Red River, NM
0.1 mi 0.2 km #2Jumpin' Jack Flash
Intermediate Intermediate
Taos Ski Valley, NM
Intermediate Intermediate
Taos Ski Valley, NM
5.1 mi 8.1 km #3East Fork Trail #56
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Red River, NM
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Red River, NM
2.3 mi 3.7 km #4Middle Fork Trail/Forest Road 487
Intermediate Intermediate
Taos Ski Valley, NM
Intermediate Intermediate
Taos Ski Valley, NM
2.1 mi 3.3 km #5Flow Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Red River, NM
Intermediate Intermediate
Red River, NM
3.3 mi 5.3 km #6Frazer Mountain Road
Difficult Difficult
Red River, NM
Difficult Difficult
Red River, NM
4.4 mi 7.1 km #7Rito de la Olla (Bernardin Lake)
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Ranchos de Taos, NM
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Ranchos de Taos, NM
3.1 mi 5.0 km #8La Cueva Canyon Trail #8
Difficult Difficult
Ranchos de Taos, NM
Difficult Difficult
Ranchos de Taos, NM
0.5 mi 0.8 km #9Steam Engine Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Taos Ski Valley, NM
Intermediate Intermediate
Taos Ski Valley, NM
0.6 mi 0.9 km #10Overlook Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Taos Ski Valley, NM
Intermediate Intermediate
Taos Ski Valley, NM

Photos of Carson National Forest - 186

MTB Project is built by riders like you. Add Your Photos

Lost Lake
Aug 2, 2015 near Red River, NM
Steep slope traverse
Aug 2, 2015 near Red River, NM
Descending one of the rock outcrops along the Lost Lake Trail
Aug 2, 2015 near Red River, NM
Looking toward the mountains south of Wheeler Peak.
Jul 18, 2016 near Red River, NM
Ripping singletrack at the top of the South Boundary Trail!
Jul 23, 2016 near Angel Fire, NM
Hittin' booters and poppin' wheelies coming down the SBT outside of Angel Fire, NM!
Jul 23, 2016 near Angel Fire, NM
Rebecca riding middle fork trail/forest road #487 to lost lake. Red River, New Mexico 8/10/16
Aug 14, 2016 near Red River, NM
Fall on the South Boundary Trail
Nov 9, 2018 near Ranchos…, NM

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