The White Mountain Wilderness Area is located in the Sacramento Mountains near Ruidoso, NM . The Wilderness Area comprises almost 50,000 acres within the Lincoln National Forest . 

The White Mountain Wilderness was created and granted permanent protection through the Wilderness Act of 1964. Under the Wilderness Act, the land is removed from any exploitation consideration, such as mining or logging. The Wilderness management scheme prohibits all types of motorized and mechanical travel, including bicycles. Travel is by foot or horseback, only. In addition, all types of motorized equipment such as chain saws and generators are prohibited as well. The Wilderness Act states that the land will be maintained and managed in a 'primitive' state.  

The White Mountain Wilderness is comprised of a north-south trending ridge and canyon system, that forms the divide of the Sacramento Mountains . The eastern side of the range provides the primary access points and is characterized by moderate-sloped, forested canyons and small streams. The more remote western side of the range has rough, steep, rocky canyons with little water. Access to the west side is difficult. The trails are poorly defined in places and as a consequence, the area receives little use.

The White Mountain Wilderness Area has a well-developed system of Trailheads and trails. The number and distribution of trails provide an almost infinite number of hiking options for everyone. Novices to experts can find hiking opportunities to fulfill their desires.

The hiking trails are organized by Trailhead. Each trail or trail segment that can be reasonably accessed from each Trailhead is discussed to allow hikers multiple hiking options. Loop hiking opportunities tend to be longer hikes more suited to intermediate-level hikers. Novices will find great hiking opportunities by sticking to trails closer to the Trailheads.
 

Hiking Basics - Essential equipment and information needed by everyone who decides to hike these wilderness trails.

White Mountain Wilderness Geology

Argentina/ Big Bonito Trailhead accesses the central portion of the White Mountain Wilderness Area. It is one of the most popular Trailheads in the Wilderness. Numerous loop opportunities can be created from the myriad of trails accessible from this Trailhead. Most of the trails are well used and easily followed, which makes it an ideal hiking location for novice to intermediate hikers. Advanced hikers will find lots of options as well.

Nogal Canyon Trailhead accesses the northern portion of the White Mountain Wilderness Area. Many of the trails are remote and rarely used. The lack of use makes route-finding a factor due to perils such as disappearing trails and dead fall infestations. This area is best suited for intermediate to extreme hiking and not for novices.

Crest-Nogal Peak Trailhead accesses the north-central portion of the White Mountain Wilderness Area. Novice to advanced hikers can enjoy this area. The views are exceptional as the trail follows the spine of the mountain range. Novice and intermediates should stick to the Crest Trail. Advanced hikers can use this Trailhead as a jumping point to more remote portions of the Wilderness.

Crest-Monjeau Peak Trailhead provides access to the southeastern portion of the White Mountain Wilderness. This Trailhead provides the easiest access to the top of the mountains, and as a result, is one of the more popular hiking areas in the Wilderness. A shuttle vehicle is required to hike the entire Crest Trail. Most hikers, who originate hikes from this location, are hiking the Crest Trail. Loop hikes are possible, but wise hikers will start loop hikes from the canyon bottoms where the last half of the hike is downhill.

South Fork Rio Bonito Trailhead accesses the south-central portion of the White Mountain Wilderness. This area may very well be some of the most scenic in the Wilderness. The Trailhead is located just above Bonito Lake and as a result, the lower parts of the trails experience heavy use during the summer season. Novices to advanced hikers will all find what they are looking for in a hiking experience from the South Fork Trailhead. It provides the only fishing opportunities in the Wilderness as well.

Three Rivers Trailhead accesses the southwest portion of the White Mountain Wilderness Area. A well-developed Forest Service campground is available at the Trailhead. Several horse corrals have also been constructed for public use. The Three Rivers Trailhead provides hiking opportunities for novices to experts.

Mills Trailhead accesses the eastern portion of the White Mountain Wilderness Area. Although this Trailhead is one of the easiest to access, it does not receive very high use. Novices to advanced hikers can find hiking to meet their demand by how far they hike before turning around.

Scenic Trailhead accesses the extreme southern portion of the White Mountain Wilderness Area. The Trailhead receives moderate use due to the proximity of a paved road, but provides the best look at an alpine ecosystem. The hiking is most suitable for novice to intermediate hikers. The trails are well maintained, signed, and easy to follow.

The Lincoln National Forest in the Smokey Bear and Sacramento districts includes over 700,000 acres of forest for outdoor recreation. There are a number of developed and dispersed campsites in these two areas.

Smokey Bear Ranger District - (575) 257-4095

South Fork Campground: Family camping. Campground host between May 15 and September 15

Three Rivers Campground: Lower elevation (6000') campground. Good winter camping.

Cedar Creek Recreation Area: Camping areas for group camping and a day-use picnic area. Reservations required. 257-4095

Argentina/Bonito Trailhead: A site favored for horseback riding.