The White Mountain Wilderness contains almost 50,000 acres within the Lincoln National Forest. It was established as a wilderness by Congress in 1933 and was included in the National Wilderness System in 1964. As with all wilderness areas, travel is allowed by foot or horseback only. Mechanized equipment of any kind, including mountain bikes, is prohibited.
The Wilderness consists primarily of a long, north-south ridge adjoining the Mescalero Apache Reservation. The eastern side of the ridge has broad forested canyons with a few small streams. The west side of the ridge is steep, rugged, and dry, with many rock outcroppings.
Elevations within the Wilderness range from 6500 feet at the Three Rivers Campground to a high of 11,580 feet near Lookout Mountain on the ridge. The weather is directly related to elevation, and in the winter months, the higher elevations may be under six feet or more of snow. In the summer, a sweater or jacket may be needed at the higher elevations, while near 6000 feet it may be quite warm during the afternoon.
Argentina Canyon Loop is a popular hike featuring gorgeous forest scenery, running streams and alpine meadows. Elk sightings are not uncommon along the upper reaches of this hike.
Aspen Canyon Loop is a strenuous 8-hour hike among abandoned mines, and views of Nogal Peak with opportunities to see deer and elk.
Crest Trail, Part 1 - Monjeau Peak to Ice Spring - If you enjoy fantastic alpine views, this hike is the one for you. Aspen groves, alpine meadows, and spectacular views of Sierra Blanca and Lookout Mountain.
Crest Trail, Part 2 - Ice Spring to Barber Ridge - A 10.5-mile round-trip hike into the upper Bonito drainage of the White Mountain Wilderness
Dry Mills Canyon is an easy trail suitable for small children and families, and it offers beautiful forest scenery.
North Eagle Creek Trail is an easy stroll up an aspen and conifer-filled canyon that is only a 20 minute drive from Ruidoso. This hike is especially well-suited for children due to the easy nature of the hike.
Gaylord Canyon Loop is a great hike to get away from the crowds of people that flock to many of the more common trails. An unmarked trailhead and route-finding difficulties in Gaylord Canyon keep the number of hikers low and provide a feeling of solitude.
Lookout Mountain trail begins at an elevation of approximately 9,750 feet and climbs steadily through a climax spruce and fir forest to the 11,580 feet summit of Lookout Mountain.
Mills Canyon Trail begins at an elevation of approximately 7,080 feet at the Mills Trailhead located about three miles below Bonito Lake. The trail climbs up the Mills Canyon and eventually ends at the lookout located on Monjeau Peak.
Nogal Peak Loop is an easy hike that offers panoramic views of much of the northern portion of the White Mountain Wilderness. The chances of seeing deer and/or elk along this route are good.
Norman Canyon Loop is a great hike to get away from the crowds of people that flock to many of the more common trails. Even though the hike is accessed from the popular Nogal Trailhead, minor route-finding difficulties in upper Norman Canyon limits the number of hikers and provides a feeling of solitude.
Pancho Canyon Trail offers a hike up a canyon on the southeastern end of the Capitan Mountains. The canyon features a two-year old burned area and jagged rock cliffs. A long, rough access road to the trailhead and a 2,800-feet elevation gain combine to keep the number of hikers low and provide a secluded atmosphere.
Perk Ridge Trail is a seldom-used trail that is easy to get to just off of Upper Canyon in Ruidoso, and offers a short day hike with some great scenery.
Pierce Canyon offers a hike on a well-maintained trail that starts in the pinon pine and juniper foothills and culminates on a conifer-studded ridge high in the Capitan Mountains Wilderness.
Rodamaker Canyon Loop is a scenic hike in the very popular Bonito Lake area that typically sees little use. The hike features beautiful forest scenery, running streams and alpine meadows.
South Fork Rio Bonito Loop may very well be the most scenic hike in the White Mountain Wilderness Area. The trailhead is located just above Bonito Lake and as a result, the lower parts of the trail experience heavy use during the summer season. However, due to the large distance and net elevation gain of the loop hike, probably only 1 hiker out of every 20 that visit the area actually completes the loop.
Telephone Canyon Loop is an easily accessible hike that offers everything from clear mountain streams to panoramic vistas. Although the trailhead is located just outside of Ruidoso, this hike does not see the barrage of hikers that many of the more popular trails do.
Three Rivers Canyon Loop offers the arduous hiker some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in the White Mountain Wilderness Area.
Turkey Canyon Trail is a popular hiking location in the upper Bonito Creek drainage. In addition to the forest scenery, numerous mines in the canyon offer first-hand glimpses into the history of the area.
Smokey Bear Ranger District - (505) 257-4095
Be Bear Aware - What to do to keep bears away or when you are too late and they have already found you.
