Pecos Wilderness in New Mexico protects rocky peaks, sacred waterways & expansive forests. It offers long-distance trails and year-round recreation.

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Geography

ContinentNorth America
RegionWestern US
SubregionSouthwest US
CountryUnited States
StateNew Mexico
CountySandoval County
DistrictPecos River Watershed
CitySan Miguel del Vado
TimezoneAmericaDenver
Latitude35.49
Longitude-105.58
Maps
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Pecos Wilderness is a high-elevation federal refuge straddling the _Santa Fe and Cedar national forests in northern New Mexico. Covering approximately 475 square kilometers, it stretches from the dry mesas near San Miguel del Vado east to the snowy summits of the Santa Fe and Cedar Peak ranges. The landscape is dominated by **conifer forests** of *ponderosa pine*, *fir* and *spruce*, interrupted by **rippling streams** such as the Pecos River and high-mountain lakes. Trails like the Santa Fe National Forest Trail provide routes for **day hikes** and **multi-day backpacking**, connecting to larger regional networks. Visitors come to pokeo out with activities including ** fishing**, **horseback riding**, **wildlife watching** and **fall foliage drives**; winter offers **snowshoeing** and **limited cross-country ski access**. Its remote, protected setting makes it a prime destination for those seeking solitude, **tracts of unspoiled nature** and a taste of north-central New Mexico_'s mountain heritage.

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