Recreational Activities, Santa Fe National Forest

Most campsites on the Santa Fe National Forest are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Some individual campsites, and all of the Forest's group campsites can be reserved by calling 1-877-444-6777 or via the internet www.recreation.gov

Search Recreational Activities by District:
Coyote District Camping Trails Fishing Points of Interest	Cuba District Camping Group Campgrounds Picnic Areas Trails
Española District Camping Picnic Areas Trails	Jemez District Camping Group Camgrounds Trails Picnic Areas Fishing Points of Interest	Pecos/Las Vegas District Camping Group Campgrounds Trails Picnic Areas

Additional Recreation Information

Wilderness Areas

There are four wilderness areas in the Santa Fe National Forest. They cover almost 300,000 acres of land. Wilderness areas provide primitive recreation options. Check out some tips and rules for safe and low-impact enjoyment of the wilderness.

Truchas Peaks, photo

Scenic and Historic Byways

The Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration has designated roads in the United States that should be recognized for their cultural, historic, scenic and recreational attributes.

There are two Scenic and Historic Byways that pass through the Santa Fe National Forest. One near the city of Santa Fe, and the other through the Jemez Mountains. Learn more about the routes.

Wild and Scenic Rivers

The Wild and Scenic Act was instituted by Congress in 1968 to preserve outstanding free-flowing rivers.
As the Act states, rivers that possess "remarkable scenic, recreational, geological, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, or other similar values..." should be managed to protected the recognized wateways for future generations.

The Santa Fe National Forest has two nationally-designated Wild and Scenic Rivers in the areas of Jemez and Pecos.

A Message About Off-Highway Vehicle Use

The level of interest in off-highway vehicle use on the Santa Fe National Forest has grown quickly over the last ten years or so. Use has grown from a relatively low level, with minor and localized impacts, to levels that are causing concern for resource damage. This growth in use is similar to that occurring in other National Forests across New Mexico and beyond.

Fisheries Program

The Santa Fe National Forest has a variety of fishing opportunities. Our Fisheries Program not only highlights these great fishing spots, it also strives to teach the community about fisheries research and preservation.