While we were camping at Guadalupe Mountain National Park, we decided to beat the heat by exploring during the hottest parts of the day. On this particular day, we decided to explore Lincoln National Forest in New Mexico.
Lincoln National Forest is jam-packed with stuff to do and is massive coming in at 1,103,897 acres! The forest is divided up into three districts and is compromised of three major mountain ranges. We spent our time in the Guadalupe District since it was the closest to Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
We spent our time in the Guadalupe District since it was the closest to Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
You’ll want to stop by the ranger station for the district you are interested in and pick up some maps. The motor vehicle use maps are free, however, the visitor and wilderness maps (these are what you really want) cost a small amount. The paid maps, though, are well worth the cost!
Things to do:
- Backpacking
- Camping
- Caving (Permit Required)
- Christmas Tree Picking (cut your own Christmas Tree, permit required)
- Geocaching
- Hiking
- Horseback Riding
- Hunting
- Mountain Biking
- Motorcycle Trail Riding
- Nature Viewing
- Picknicking
- Scenic Drives
- Snow skiing / boarding
We Recommend
Sitting Bull Falls – An oasis in the middle of the desert!
Five Points Vista Scenic Drive
Tips for Visiting Lincoln National Forest
Bring lots of water! The National Forest is divided into three districts. We stayed in the Guadalupe district and there are NO stores anywhere!
Make sure your gas tank is full and depending on how long you will be staying, bring extra fuel. Again there is was no store anywhere even though there is a town!
Pack a lunch. Again there are no food places or stores to stop at! Pack a lunch and have a picnic.
Have a 4×4 vehicle – If you plan to go off the main road (which you will) you need a 4×4 vehicle as the rest of the roads are either gravel or dirt and some are more primitive than that and require a high clearance vehicle.
Looks like a great, great time! I love national parks and forests! I hope to visit more soon!! Love hiking.
I love them as well =) It really is nice to be able to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and step into untouched nature!