Event Description

Latir Peak Wilderness is a 20,506-acre wilderness area located within the Carson National Forest in northern New Mexico. Designated in 1980, the Wilderness includes a portion of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and contains four of the states twenty highest peaks: Venado Peak at 12,734 feet, Latir Peak at 12,708 feet, Latir Mesa at 12,692 feet, and Virsylvia Peak at 12,594 feet. Most of the area is drained by the Lake Fork of Cabresto Creek, which originates at Heart Lake and is impounded just outside the wilderness boundary in Cabresto Lake, the main trailhead for visitors entering the Wilderness. Come enjoy exceptional views, and be prepared for a thunderstorm. This hike has an option hike to the Latir Ridge, and the potential to view Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.

NOTE: The hike is moderate to difficult, with an elevation rise of about 2,500 feet.

Maximum participants: 8

Contact for hike: John Olivas, john@nmwild.org, 505-751-7309

Hike leader: Miles Hinton, Naturalist and Taos Ski Valley Ski Instructor

Hiking distance: Eight miles round-trip

Hiking time: 4-6 hours