Recreational Activities - Wilderness Areas
Pecos | Pecos
Trails | Wheeler Peak
| Wheeler Peak Trails
 NORTHERN
PECOS WILDERNESS
Camino Real Ranger District
Pecos Wildlife
Quite a few locals hang out in these parts. Rocky Mountain Bighorn,
elk, mule deer, and golden eagles all share the same home.
The Rocky mountain Bighorn found in the Pecos Wilderness can
be quite tame. They will walk up to your camp and beg for food.
The Bighorn's digestive system is very sensitive, please don't
feed them people food.
 Golden
eagles can sometimes be seen circling the high country. They are
ever so graceful to watch as they circle in search of their favorite
prey. Eagles are sensitive to intruders in their environment.
Many off-spring never hatch because curious visitors keep parents
away from the nest site, preventing them from keeping the eggs
warm. Please respect the Eagle be keeping away from their nests.
Many rocky mountain elk and mule deer also call Pecos Wilderness
their summer home. The higher elevation is cooler and often lush
with grass and new aspen growth, choice foods for elk and deer.
Where's the Fish?
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish stocks Hidden Lakes,
Trampas Lakes, No Fish Lake, & Serpent Lakes with native
cutthroat fry, by helicopter, every few years. A license is
required for fishing. If you would like more information, contact
the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish in Raton at (575)
445-2311.
Typical Pecos Weather
The average annual precipitation is 34-40 inches, about half
the total comes from summer rains and half from winter snows.
Average annual temperatures range between 80 degrees in the summer
to 20 degrees below zero in the winter.
Most people visit Pecos Wilderness between July 4 and Labor Day.
In late June or early September the weather is usually crisp and
clear and there are fewer people in the wilderness.
July and August are rainy months with almost daily afternoon
showers. Be prepared. Visitors should carry rain gear and a tent
if staying overnight. Daytime temperatures in the summer are often
in the 60's but can drop dramatically when a storm moves in. Nights
are cold, occasionally below freezing. Snowfall usually begins
in early October. The wilderness is open to cross-country skiing
and snowshoeing. Beware, avalanche danger is significant.
Be Prepared!!
 Beware
of lightning on the ridges. Since you will probably be the highest
point around, get off the ridge if thunderclouds are overhead.
Leave early in the morning in order to avoid the early afternoon
thunder shower.
Be sure to take proper clothing. Temperatures can drop suddenly.
Wet clothing can chill the body quickly. Wool is best for heat
even when wet; cotton next to the skin will keep the body damp
and will actually wick heat away. Dress in layers which can be
added or removed as temperature change
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