Jemez Mountain Trail
Santa Fe National Forest, NM

Santa Fe National Forest covers nearly 1.6 million acres. Due to its expansive acreage, its landscapes vary from open wildflower fields in lower elevations to the rugged peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the highest point being the Truchas Peak summit at 13,103 feet. Trees vary from different types of pine and fir to spruce and aspen.

The forest's other wonderful features include its wilderness areas: the Dome Wilderness, the San Pedro Parks Wilderness, the Chama River Canyon Wilderness, and the Pecos Wilderness. Each brings a different look and feel to the forest. The Dome Wilderness contains cliff dwellings; the San Pedro Parks Wilderness is filled with wildlife and fish; the Chama River Canyon Wilderness shows sandstone bluffs; and the Pecos Wilderness serves as the prime recreation destination in the entire forest.

The forest's close proximity to Santa Fe may lead visitors to believe that it is a crowded tourist attraction; however, it is generally overlooked in light of the cultural diversity of Santa Fe that attracts higher volumes of visitors. For those that visit this alpine wilderness, they are rewarded by recreation such as fishing, mountain biking, and hiking. The Truchas Peaks area serves as a popular place to hike. Wildlife watching is also popular; animals such as deer, elk, bear, and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep all make their homes here.