What is the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness?
The Columbine-Hondo Wilderness was officially added to the National Wilderness Preservation System on December 19th, 2014 and is the Enchanted Circle’s youngest Wilderness Area.
Situated just north of Taos, the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness consists of 44,698 acres of lush forests, sub-alpine lakes, babbling mountain brooks, and breathtaking mountain vistas. Elevations range from 7,861 feet to an impressive 12,710 feet atop Gold Hill. The Wilderness Area boasts two other lofty peaks: Lobo Peak (12,113 feet) and Flag Mountain (11,946 feet).
The large range in elevation allows for a multitude of diverse ecosystems to exist and thrive. In one trip you could find yourself starting off your hike in ponderosa pine and pinyon forests at the lower elevations, then mixed conifers and aspens at the middle elevations, spruce-fir forests at higher elevations, and finally alpine tundra once you break free of tree line around 12,000 feet.
And if you’re quiet and observant, you may be able to glimpse the wildlife that calls the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness home: elk, black bear, mule deer, bighorn sheep, Rio Grande cutthroat trout, nuthatches, Clark’s nutcrackers, and prairie falcons to name a few.
Be sure to practice your best Leave No Trace manners, because the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness contains the headwaters of the Red River and Rio Hondo. These rivers provide essential habitat for the native Rio Grande cutthroat trout and the only truly aquatic songbird, the American dipper. After the rivers leave the mountains, they flow through the communities of Red River, Questa, Arroyo Seco, Arroyo Hondo, and eventually flow into the Rio Grande. This water is an essential and scarce resource here in the high desert of northern New Mexico, and maintaining healthy watersheds is critical to the wellbeing of New Mexico’s people, plants, and animals.
Adventure Awaits in the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Area
Whether you’re looking for a day hike for the whole family or a rugged, multi-day backpacking trip deep in the mountains, the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness has an adventure for everyone.
Before you head out:
- Be sure to research the trail or route you’ll be taking. You can find descriptions of the trails on Trailforks or the Carson National Forest website.
- Call the Questa Ranger District’s office (575-586-0520) for the latest information on conditions, closures, or fire restrictions.
- Check the weather for whichever side of the mountains you’ll be recreating in. It can snow as early as September and snowpack can stick around the higher elevations and narrow canyons well into late June. Northern New Mexico is also known for its monsoons: daily thunderstorms in July and August.
- Leave a detailed itinerary with a trusted friend or family member and an anticipated return date.
- Pack appropriately for your trip. A good place to start is by packing the 10 Essentials and then adjusting your gear and supplies based on the type of trip, number of days, and number of people in your group.
