Santa Fe National Forest New Mexico

Santa Fe National Forest Overview

Santa Fe National Forest is a large and diverse national forest in northern New Mexico. It covers roughly 1.6 million acres and stretches across the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Jemez Mountains, and surrounding high-desert landscapes. Elevations range from about 5,000 feet to more than 13,000 feet, creating a wide variety of scenery, vegetation, and recreational opportunities.

Santa Fe National Forest Camping

Visitors can choose from developed Forest Service campgrounds as well as dispersed camping opportunities in appropriate areas. Developed campgrounds range from relatively accessible sites near Santa Fe to more remote mountain locations in the Pecos and Jemez areas.

Santa Fe National Forest Recreation

Santa Fe National Forest offers a broad range of outdoor activities. Hiking and backpacking are especially popular, with trails ranging from short day hikes to challenging wilderness routes. The Pecos Wilderness is a major destination for backpackers and hikers, with high mountain peaks, alpine terrain, forests, lakes, streams, and expansive views. The forest also contains the San Pedro Parks, Chama River Canyon, and Dome wilderness areas.

Other activities include mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, birdwatching, rock climbing, swimming, photography, and scenic driving. Winter brings opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and downhill skiing in the higher mountains.

Make a Reservation for Santa Fe National Forest

Amenities

• BBQ Grills
• Boat Ramp
• Campground Host
• Campsite Tables
• Cell Service - None
• Cell Service Fair
• Cell Service Poor
• Day Use / Picnic Area
• Drinking Water
• Dumpsters
• Equestrian trail
• Fire Pit
• Fire Rings
• Firewood Available
• Golden Age & Access Passports accepted
• Grills
• Hiking & Biking Trails
• Lantern Post
• Pets OK
• Picnic Tables
• Trash Collection

Activities

• ATVing
• Backpacking
• Biking
• Bird Watching
• Canoeing
• Fishing
• Fly Fishing
• Hiking
• Historic Sites
• Horseback riding
• Kayaking
• Mountain Biking
• Photography
• Picnicking
• Rock Climbing
• Stargazing
• Swimming
• Wildlife Viewing
• Winter/Snow Sports