Wilderness AreasThere are 86,193 acres of wilderness in the Carson. Wilderness is land set aside as part of wild America, where man can be a visitor. The natural environment has not been disturbed. Travel is restricted to foot or horseback. No mechanized equipment is allowed.
Wilderness areas include:
Wheeler Peak
Latir Peak
Pecos
Cruces Basin
Columbine-Hondo
(proposed wilderness area)
Maps are available at any Carson Forest office. A map of the Carson National Forest sells for $7.00. The Wheeler/Latir Wilderness map, Cruces Basin Wilderness & Pecos Wilderness and Valle Vidal map also sell for $7.00 each. No permit is required to enter these wilderness areas.
Trails
There are 330 miles of trails, some maintained by volunteer groups. Opportunities abound for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and 4-wheel drive exploring.
Many summer hiking trails and forest roads become cross-country ski and snowmobile trails in winter. Trail guides are available at any Carson office.
One thing to always remember when traveling the wilderness trails. Pack it in, Pack it out. Help preserve the wilderness for your children and their kids.
(Information courtesy of U.S. Forest Service - Photo courtesy of Jerry Hardy)
