Anybody been to Cruces Basin, NM??

“thinking about a long weekend trip to Cruces Basin, NM - just wondering if anybody's been there recently. Found a couple of reviews on this site, but they are fairly old (late 90's). Looks like a cool place though.

Thanks”

“I haven't read anything about it, but I'll be down there for the middle two weeks in July. Maybe I'll check it out.”

“I think toejam may know it.”

“I found these sites. It's located in Carson National Forest (in case you already didn't know).

http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/us_national_forest/nm_carso.htm

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/carson/

http://www.altrec.com/published/camp/southwest/crucesbasinwilderness/”

“yep, saw those this morning - the place looks very cool, not heavily visited at all, no formal/established trails.

Just curious if anyone's been there in the last couple of years.”

“another good link

Cruces Basin Wilderness

In general, that is a low use area of NM and NM is low use compared to other parts of the country. Beautiful high country.

Be sure to check fire restrictions. Bad year in NM.
last edited: 6/22/06 2:07:47 PM”

“Yeah, bad year everywhere out here - so far we've had more acerage burn in CO than last year burnt all year long.”

“bump - considering this again - anyone been lately?”

“I think i'm going to plan a trip here over the Labor Day weekend - anyone interested?

The area has no established trails, and has a couple of nice streams and forested areas, along with some higher meadows.

Should be a nice long weekend trip. Drive time from Denver is around 4 hours or so.”

“Introduction
The United States Congress designated the Cruces Basin Wilderness in 1980 and it now has a total of 18,000 acres. All of the wilderness is in New Mexico and is managed by the Forest Service.
Description
Cruces Basin Wilderness, located just south of the Colorado line, contains some of New Mexico's most pristine country. Cruces Basin Wilderness contains great opportunities for solitude.

A mountain plateau sets the stage, with backdrops ranging from ridges covered in spruce, fir, and aspen up to 10,900 feet to a grass carpet that extends down to 8,600 feet.

http://www.wilderness.net/index.cfm?fuse=NWPS&sec=wildView&wname=Cruces%20Basin”

“You think it would be more awesome than the South San Juans? I wonder if there are cows?”

“Cows in New Mexico? Naww.....”

“moo

mooo

Cows don't skeer me. Bulls however....”

“http://www.thebackpacker.com/trails/nm/trail_292.php

I have not been to Cruces Basin specifically, but that is a beautiful part of the state.”

“I had to pull out my old Carson NF map to remember exactly where this is.

I've been up to the headwaters of the Rio Chama in the South San Juans. It was really spectacular but there were lots of cows in the valleys. The satellite image shows big meadows along the creeks, especially Cruces Creek, so I bet there are cows. I'd go for it anyway, but I'll be in California by then.”

“Great part of the State. I grew up around the area and spent a lot of my time all around the Northern New Mexico Mountains. I spent about 4 days (3 nights) there about 7-8 months ago and everything is as beautiful as anything I have ever seen, I may be partial because it is where I grew up, but still magnificent features! Another area of interest for you would be the Jemez Mountains. Literally my back yard growing up. Plenty of hiking, packing, fishing, hot springs, and wildlife.

Let me know if you would like some specifics on some areas around Northern New Mexico! Best of luck, I hope you venture that way... it's BEAUTIFUL.

- mike

P.S.- There are plenty of cows in NM :)”

“Latir Lakes is an interesting spot too, especially if you are willing to climb to the higher lakes and get away from everybody. The first short but very steep climb stops most. Creek crossings. Private land open for camping, fishing etc. I think they charge about $15 for entry, some fee for fishing. Climb to the last lake, climb Latir peak and you will feel like you are on top of the world. Above the timber line, alpine tundra.”

“I'll bring my Latir Peak map along with all the CO maps I'll be giving away this summer. That's another one of those places I bought a map of 15 years ago and never got the chance to visit.”

“Thanks mike - i'll hit you up for some info.

and, i'll look up Latir Lakes.”