Carson National Forest

Recreational Activities: Trails

Valle Vidal

Location: Questa Ranger District

Trail Beginning: 9,000 feet

Trail Ending: 11,000 feet

In the summer months the trail is used for hiking, mountain biking, Atv's, motorcycle and horseback riding. In the Winter he trails are used for cross country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing.

Access:
Road access is via Costilla from the west and Cimarron from the east. Forest Roads are not plowed. Snowmobile access is available from the southwest side via Mallette and Cabresto Canyons though the Midnight area to Chuck Wagon Canyon. The west side (except for the La Cuerva area) is available for winter sports use when the District Ranger announces it is open. The opening is timed to coincide with the movement of elk to the east side winter range, which incidentally, is when the snow is deep enough for winter recreation use. Separate cross-country skiing/snowshoeing and snowmobiling areas are designated on the west side of the Valle Vidal Unit. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted on the north side of Forest Road 1950. Snowmobiling is only permitted on the south side. The area east of the county line is closed to all off road activities.

Attractions and Considerations:
The Valle Vidal Unit offers a wide range of outstanding winter fun. A trip to the Valle Vidal takes all day. If you are snowmobiling bring extra gas. The Valle Vidal is only open to snowmobiling if the elk have moved. In most years, the resident herd of 2,000 will migrate east to a lower and warmer climate once a few feet of snow are on the ground. Check with the Questa District  to see if the Ranger has opened the Valle Vidal to snowmobiling. To protect this wildlife treasure, only certain areas are open. Due to the distance and remoteness, we recommend the Valle Vidal trip to those with experience or those having the assistance of a guide.

In the summer months you can hike, horseback or mountain bike in this area.

Recommended Season: Spring Closure in the west side of the Valle Vidal Unit is from May 1, - June 30, Winter Closure on the East side of Valle Vidal is from January 1, - March 31st.

Use: Moderate

Difficulty: Novice to Intermediate

USGS QUADS: Ash Mountain

USDA Forest Service - Carson National Forest
Last Modified: Monday, 28 April 2008 at 10:58:56 EDT