Pecos Wilderness, New Mexico

“I'm taking a backpacking trip to the Pecos Wilderness in New Mexico. I have no clue what the terrain and whether is in the summer. Any one been there, any adcice?”

“High mountains, afternoon monsoon rains start in July or August.

Valleys are in the 9000 foot range, peaks up to 13000+.

If you go too early in June, you'll may run into snow. On this day in July, I got snow showers and lightning.

Truchas Peak

Truchas Album


So far, this year is very, very dry. There will likely be fire restrictions and possible area closures until the monsoons arrive.”

“This is entering on the Windsor Trail near Santa Fe, hiking to Santa Fe Baldy, with views farther into the Wilderness.

Windsor Trail and Santa Fe Baldy

Do you ever wonder if people who post questions like this ever come back to look for responses?”

“Well, I liked the photos!
Thanks for posting the link.”

“Pathman - I wonder that sometimes also!

How close is the Pecos Wilderness to Philmont Scout Ranch. Is Santa Fe Baldy the same as Baldy at Philmont? (If so, I've been there).”

“Did you ever work at Philmont? I have a friend who worked there in the mid-70's.”

“Its a different Baldy. There are a bunch of them in New Mexico. Looks like Philmont is about 160 miles from Cowles, the closest entrance I know of. There may be one farther north near Mora. I want to check that area out, my mother in law has 20 acres there she would love to sell us. Access may be limited though, its mostly private land for old Spanish Land Grants.

Mapquest Philmont to Cowles

Oh no! Topozone isn't working. 8^(”

“thank you for the info, but maybe a little more would help.”

“Let's see, I told you about the weather, showed pictures of terrain. What else would you like to know?

Personally, I'd go in August to avoid the closures, but prepare for daily afternoon rains, cool nights (40's) and warm days (70's). If you want to see fewer people, go in September.”

“Bears-yes, black. Also deer, of course, but also mountain lion, elk and mountain goat (or bighorn sheep, I can never remember which).

Water-plenty

Peak bagging-Pecos Baldy, Santa Fe Baldy, Truchas Peaks and more I'm not thinking of.

Crowds-depends on where and when.

Rain-yes, July and August especially.

Views-awesome.

Horses-some.

Fire danger-especially now through June.

Entry-Truchas, Santa Fe Ski Area, Cowles are the ones I know of.

Fishing-you bet.”

“gracias!”

“Denada.”

“Pecos is around four hours from philmont. I make the trip when I worked at philmont in '99.

Must see-Trailrider's Wall (I have a hell of a pic that I can email to you if you want, I dont have a web page to post it on.)

Make sure you know your hiker-horse rules. You will see horses. Always hop up the uphill slope, if the horses spook the run level or downhill, and a person will lose if run over by a horse.

Pecos rocks!!!”

“Outstanding pics, pathman!!!!”

“hey is there a pecos wilderness book, with all the trails? and how easy is it to get water?”

“Water is not a problem.

Don't know about a specific Pecos book, but there is New Mexico's Wilderness Areas : The Complete Guide
by Bob Julyan, Tom Till Maybe I can take a look at it if I find it in a bookstore. Looking at the sample pages, it has 11 devoted to the Pecos. The index isn't all that impressive.

I do have Hiking New Mexico (FalconGuide)
by Laurence Parent which is mostly day hikes, but has the hikes which serve as entry into the Wilderness.”

“Pecos does have its own guidebook, as well as a dedicated map. Any gear shop in the area should have them if you can't find them anywhere else.

Wow, I sound illiterate in my post from yesterday.”

“Given Bear's info, you might check with REI here in town REI Albuquerque or MOUNTAINS AND RIVERS
2320 CENTRAL SOUTHEAST
ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87106
505 268-4876

or

ACTIVE ENDEAVORS
328 SOUTH GUADALUPE STREET
SANTA FE, NM 87501
505 984-8221

Let me know if you get stuck, I'll see what I can find. Pick up one myself. ;-)”