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Santa Fe, NM 87508

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Home | Recreational Activities | Wilderness Areas

WILDERNESS AREAS IN THE
SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST

Wilderness is described as federal land designated by Congress as a place where"earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain" (Wilderness Act of 1964). Such deeemed wilderness areas are managed as places where natural biological processes are allowed to occur unhindered by human interference.

Given the non-intrusive manner in which the wilderness is maintained, recreation in these areas provides the opportunity to see nature in its purest form. We ask that you help us keep it that way by reading our Wilderness Ethics reminder to the right.

The Santa Fe National Forest has over 300,000 acres of wilderness areas within its boundaries.

Click below for overviews of Wilderness Areas in the Santa Fe National Forest:

PECOS WILDERNESS
SAN PEDRO PARKS WILDERNESS
CHAMA RIVER CANYON WILDERNESS
DOME WILDERNESS

PECOS WILDERNESS

In 1964 Congress designated nearly 200,000 acres of land near Pecos, New Mexico as the Pecos Wilderness. In 1980 an additional 55,000 acres were added bringing the total to 223,667 acres of unspoilt wilderness. The wilderness extends through two Ranger Districts in the Santa Fe National Forest and into the Carson National Forest to the north. Within the boundaries of this expansive area are several landmarks including Truchas Peak which tops of at 13,103 feet, and the southern stretch of the Rocky Mountains.

The terrain varies from open meadows in the Pecos River Valley to the steep canyons of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. Wildlife ranges from deer and elk to big horn sheep, turkeys and grouse. It is not uncommon to run into cattle in the wilderness either, as some ranchers are permitted to graze their cattle in areas of the wilderness.

There are 15 lakes, and eight major streams to sustain both plant and animal habitat, including the native Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout.

Hiking, horseback riding, and primitive camping are great ways to enjoy the beauty of the Pecos Wilderness. An updated Pecos Wilderness map will be available at Ranger Stations or by mail order in the near future.

SAN PEDRO PARKS WILDERNESS

In 1931, the Chief of the Forest Service classified a 41,132-acre area in the San Pedro Mountains of western New Mexico as a Primitive Area. Ten years later the Secretary of Agriculture recognized the land as a Wild Area. It wasn't until 1965 that the San Pedro Parks Wilderness was officially designated.

The defining features of the Parks are the large grassy meadows framed by dense stands of spruce and mixed conifer trees. Elk, deer, black bear, turkey and other wildlife call this expansive grounds their home. The San Pedro Parks is also open to cattle grazing for ranchers with permits.

The San Gregorio Lake is the main body of water in the Parks. Various streams cut through the meadows and mountains supporting the native Rio Grande Cutthroat population. Fishing and hiking in the Parks is a popular summer past time in the Parks. In the winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing is popular.

The San Pedro Parks Wilderness is located in the souther portion of the Coyote Ranger District and the northern portion of the Cuba Ranger Districts. Access is possible through both districts.

CHAMA RIVER CANYON WILDERNESS

The Rio Chama Wilderness encompasses 50,300 acres in northwest New Mexico. The U.S. Department of Agriculture designated the land a wilderness area in 1978 and in 1986 the Rio Chama, that flows through the wilderness, was deemed a Wild and Scenic River.

Ponderosa Pine, Willows and Cottonwoods populate the landscape as well as a range of shrubs and desert grasses. The walls of the Chama Canyon are a striking variety of colors from yellows to maroons marking the distinct sedimentary layers of rock.

Between 70 and 80 different bird varieties can be found in the Chama River Canyon. Raptors, hawks, and owls perch along the canyon walls and surrounding trees. On the ground, mule deer, elk coyote, black bear among other animals can be seen searching the canyon for food. Cattle also are seen grazing in areas of the wilderness during summer months.

Two main trails are most popular as access into the wilderness. The Hart Trail (Trail #293), off of Highway 84 and Forest Road 145, descends into Chama River Canyon and meets with the Rio Chama. This trail provides a great view of the canyon as well as great fishing opportunities.

The second most popular trail is a portion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail System. There are two access points to this famous trail. The Skull Bridge on Forest Road 151 is one entry. The other access is from the top of Ojitos Canyon from Highway 96.

The Chama River Canyon Wilderness is located in the Coyote Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest. Small areas of the wilderness also extend into the Carson National Forest.

DOME WILDERNESS

This 5,200-acre area is the smallest National Forest area in the southwest. Situated adjacent to Bandelier Wilderness in Bandelier National Monument, the area provides a continuous expanse of primitive canyon-land environments similar to those found within the National Monument.

The trail system accessing the area also provides access into the west side of Bandelier Wilderness with several trailheads located along Forest Road 289. Elevations range from 8,200 feet near St. Peter's Dome to 5,800 feet at the base of Sanchez Canyon. Special care should be taken not to disturb the many prehistoric ruins scattered throughout the area. The Dome Wilderness is located in the Jemez Ranger District.