Located in north-central New Mexico, with headquarters at Taos, the
Carson National Forest nurtures and cradles the Rio Grande as it leaves
its birthplace in Colorado en route to the south. Carrying water from
high country snow melt, the Carson adds precious, clear water from its
high mountain streams and lakes to the Rio Grande in support of the
prosperous communities along its way. The Carson includes some of the
highest water-producing lands in the state and is the source of several
permanent streams and lakes.
[Illustration: Map of National Forests in New Mexico]
Named in honor of Kit Carson, the noted scout, Carson National Forest
offers some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the Southwest,
including the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Red River Canyon, and Wheeler
Peak, which at 13,160 feet is the highest point in New Mexico. Part of
the famed Pecos Wilderness Area and the Wheeler Peak Wild Area are
included in this Forest and are available to those willing and able to
hike, ride a horse, or pack into the rugged mountain country. For the
winter sports enthusiast, the Red River Ski Area, Sipapu Winter Sports
Area, and Taos Ski Valley operate in part within the Carson National
Forest and offer some of the finest alpine skiing in the Southwest.
Good roads lead the visitor to Spanish and Indian villages where life
and culture are almost unchanged since the ancient and comparatively
recent days of settlement. Towns with singing-sounding names like
Picurís, Taos Pueblo, Las Trampas, Truchas, Santa Barbara, and Tres
Ritos nestle along forest streams and add charm and beauty to a scenic
trip in the northern Sangre de Cristo range (name given to the mountains
by early Spanish settlers, meaning _Blood of Christ_. The analogy
relates to the reddish glow that sometimes colors the mountains at
sunset.). Radiating from Taos are roads leading into the eastern half of
the Forest, bringing the traveler into fascinating and colorful country.
Taos Canyon, Arroyo Hondo, Questa, and the Red River country abound in
old mining ghost towns, Indian ruins, and legendary Spanish villages
located in canyons and on mountain tops.
The high range rising between the Rio Grande and the Chama River to the
west is the major part of the western half of the Carson National
Forest. Tres Piedras, El Rito, La Madera, Canjilon, Lagunitas, and San
Antonio are a few of the picturesque communities here. Farther to the
west is the Jicarilla Division of the Carson, the high mountain country
adjacent to the Jicarilla Apache Reservation. Bisected by State Highway
17 between Farmington and Chama, this section is a test of true
pioneering skill for the traveler who is willing to follow dim tracks of
roads and trails to enjoy the Forest. However, modern civilization is
introduced by the 150 oil and gas wells in this area, even though the
country is rugged and broken.
Carson National Forest is a trout fisherman’s delight. For the hunter,
Rocky Mountain mule deer, elk, and antelope are found in all parts of
the Forest. Small game is plentiful, and rabbits provide many hours of
hunting pleasure. Beaver, muskrat, mink, weasel, marten, and skunk are
the principal fur bearers, and turkey, grouse, ducks, geese, quail, and
doves make up the game bird population. Predators include the mountain
lion, bobcat, coyote, and fox.
More than 40 developed camp and picnic grounds, most of which are
accessible year round, welcome the visitor. Among them, Echo
Amphitheater picnic ground on U.S. Highway 84, south of Canjilon, is a
striking natural echo chamber formed by centuries of wind and water
erosion in the rugged sandstone rock. “If you stand near the chamber,
you only have to whisper, and your words come back in a spooky echo.”
About five miles south on U.S. Highway 84 is the Ghost Ranch Museum,
with live native Southwestern animals and conservation exhibits,
including a living and growing display showing on-the-ground Forest
Service Multiple Use Management of the mythical Beaver National Forest,
the “smallest National Forest in the world.”
Ranger stations at Canjilon, El Rito, Gobernador, Penasco, Questa, Taos,
and Tres Piedras provide local information and recreation maps.
[Illustration: Echo Amphitheater surrounds part of the trail to
campground]