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Carson National Forest

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National Park Contact Information

Carson National Forest
208 Cruz Alta Road
Taos, 87571





National Park Overview

Camping
Leave No Trace! Thousands of visitors to Carson National Forest have a tremendous impact on the land. Its up to all of us to minimize our impact, to travel softly, leaving no trace of our visit so that future generations can enjoy the woods and mountains we all love.

You Dont Have to Camp in a Campground. National Forests mean room to roam. You can camp anywhere in Carson National Forest. Some restrictions apply. Pleasecheck with the local Forest Service Office.

How Long Can I Camp in Carson National Forest? Stay limit is 14 days.

Your Campsite, Look for a site that

Is at least 200 feet from water. This will help protect water quality and minimize pollution.

Has a good place for a tent, where you will not have to destroy vegetation. Try using a hammock and a tarp instead of a tent.

Is out of sight of the trail, unless you are at a designated site.

Wear sneakers or light shoes around camp to avoid trampling vegetation.

The high ridges of the Carson National Forest tend to be steep and densely vegetated. Allow plenty of time to find a good campsite.

Your Campfire Campfires can cause unnecessary signs of human presence and ugly scars on the landscape. Please use a portable stove instead.

If you must have a fire Use only fallen, dead wood. Dont cut down snags, since animals rely on these for homes. Keep your fire small. Clear away duff and forest litter to prevent the fire from spreading. A fire ring isnt necessary! Never leave your fire unattended. Be sure its dead out and leave no trace of your fire when you leave. Remember - candle can be a focus point for a group instead of a campfire!

Can I Drink the Water? The answer to this question is an emphatic yesand no. No matter how clear or pure the water may look, its a good idea to purify all unprotected water. Water-borne parasites, including Giardia Lambia, have been found in Carson National Forest water. Purification methods include chemical treatment, filtration and boiling.

Garbage Pack out everything you pack in. Burying, scattering or burning food scraps will only attract animals and leave a mess for other people.

Human Waste Dig a hole 5 or 6 inches deep into the humus layer of soil -t least 200 feet from water. After use, cover the hole and microorganisms will do the rest.

Group Size Keep your group size below 10 people. Larger groups have a much greater impact on the land and on other hikers enjoyment.


Trails
The Carson National Forest offers a number of trails for hiking, motorcycle, mountain bike and horseback riding. Be familiar with the "Rules of the Road" and SAFETY. Our Trail Index will assist you in planning a day of fun whether you are an expert or beginner. Be sure to plan for emergencies. Enjoy your visit to the Carson National Forest.

Thousands of visitors to Carson National Forest have a tremendous impact on the land. Its up to all of us to minimize our impact, to travel softly, leaving no trace of our visit so that future generations can enjoy the woods and mountains we all love.

Campfires Campfires can cause unnecessary signs of human presence and ugly scars on the landscape. Please use a portable stove instead. If you must have a fire

Use only fallen, dead wood. Dont cut down snags, since animals rely on these for homes.

Keep your fire small.

Clear away duff and forest litter to prevent the fire from spreading. A fire ring isnt necessary!

Never leave your fire unattended.

Be sure its dead out and leave no trace of your fire when you leave.

Remember - candle can be a focus point for a group instead of a campfire!

Garbage Pack out everything you pack in. Burying, scattering or burning food scraps will only attract animals and leave a mess for other people.

Human Waste Dig a hole 5 or 6 inches deep into the humus layer of soil -t least 200 feet from water. After use, cover the hole and microorganisms will do the rest.

Stay on the Trail Stay on the trail to avoid killing vegetation.

Group Size Keep your group size below 10 people. Larger groups have a much greater impact on the land and on other hikers enjoyment.


Fishing and Hunting
Fishing

Some of the best trout fishing in New Mexico can be found on the Carson National Forest amidst the imposing beauty of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Hundreds of miles of cold water streams and numerous lakes are home to rainbow, brown and native Rio Grande cutthroat trout. Many of these lakes and streams have campgrounds nearby. While the most popular spots are noted on the map, there are literally hundreds of opportunities on the forest.




More Info

This page uses frames, but your browser doesnt support them.The Carson National Forest offers unlimited recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, biking, horseback
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Carson National Forest