The Pecos Wilderness is a heavily forested, high-elevation and rugged mountain land, ranging from 8,400 feet to over 13,000 feet. Truchas Peak, at 13,103 feet, is the second highest point in New Mexico.

Deep and narrow canyons, broad ridges, forested slopes and rugged peaks characterize the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of the Pecos Wilderness at the southern end of the Rocky Mountain chain. On the west front, steep canyons drain toward the Rio Grande.

The Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District is home to the iconic Pecos Wilderness, and the headwaters of the Pecos River originate from the district. A vast system of trails provide plenty of day hiking and backpacking for adventure seekers of all levels.

Want to find the best trails in Pecos Wilderness for an adventurous hike or a family trip? AllTrails has 68 great trails for hiking, backpacking, and camping and more. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.

As Pecos was the Gateway to the West and is an ancient village, there are many amazing attractions to explore! The Pecos Wilderness is a protected wilderness area within the Santa Fe National Forest and Carson National Forest.

The Pecos Wilderness is a popular spot for hiking and horseback riding. The vast trail system in the wilderness is designed for day trips and extended backpacking opportunities for all levels of hikers.

Apr 1, 1999 · Hiding thereabouts is the Pecos Wilderness, one of the premier backpacking destinations in New Mexico-and perhaps all of the West. In the Pecos, more than 400 miles of trail climb in and out of canyons, run along the rugged ridges, and crest the sky-soaked summits within this 223,667-acre jewel of the Sangre de Cristo Range.

The Pecos Wilderness is a prime example of the environmental diversity that New Mexico has to offer – consisting of dramatic crumbling talus slopes, towering peaks, hidden shimmering lakes, abundant wildlife, and wildflower meadows best caught in July and August.

Explore the most popular backpacking trails in Pecos Wilderness with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you.

The Pecos Wilderness includes the southernmost extension of the Rocky Mountains in the sub-range of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of north central New Mexico. One trail head for the wilderness is only 15 miles by road from Santa Fe, the state capital.