Carson National Forest

Some of the finest mountain scenery in the Southwest is found in the 1.5 million acres covered by the Carson National Forest. Elevations rise from 6,000 feet to 13,161 feet at Wheeler Peak, the highest in New Mexico. Big game animals roam the Carson. They include mule deer, elk, antelope, black bear, mountain lion, and bighorn sheep. There are also many species of smaller animals and songbirds. Almost every animal calling Northern New Mexico home can be found at Ghost Ranch Living Museum.

From Taos, US Highway 64 takes you into the northern portions of the forest. Highways leading south from Taos which provide access include State 518, State 58 and State 75.