THE LAND OF ENCHANTMENT

THIS SUMMER, HITCH UP, AND HEAD TO McCRYSTAL CREEK COUNTRY IN NORTHERN NEW MEXICO’S STUNNING SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS.

- KENT AND CHARLENE KRONE

For awe-inspiring backcountry rides, plan now for a summer adventure in McCrystal Creek country, a treasure for trail riders in northern New Mexico’s stunning Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the southernmost subrange of the Rocky Mountains.

On these mountain slopes, Carson National Forest (fs.usda.gov/carson/) offers equestrian adventurers 330 miles of trails on 1.5 million acres, 86,000 of which are a designated wilderness accessed only by trail riders and hikers. Elevation ranges from 6,000 feet to 13,161 feet atop Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico. Black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, elk, mule deer, antelope, bighorn sheep, eagles, hawks, and wild turkeys populate the area, as well as smaller mammals and songbirds.

The area’s equestrian camp, Mc- Crystal Campground, sits at 8,100 feet elevation in the heart of the national forest’s 100,000-acre Valle Vidal Wildlife Management Unit. Plan for a rustic camp—you’ll find water for your horse, feeders, corrals, tie racks, picnic tables, and fire rings, but there’s no potable water, electricity, or services.

We explored the trails here in the summertime aboard our Missouri Fox Trotter geldings, Nate and Cowboy. Here, we’ll share our from-the-saddle reports of rides we directly accessed from McCrystal Campground. Then we’ll give you a rundown on more rides in the area, plus an inside look at a historic hotel in Cimarron perfect for pampering yourself after your rugged adventures. Finally, we’ll tell you what you need to know before you go.

GETTING THERE

To reach McCrystal Campground from Cimarron (about 2 hours northeast of Santa Fe), take US Route 64 east for 5 miles, then turn left (north) onto Cerrososo Rd. You’ll follow this gravel road for 21 miles to the boundary of the Valle Vidal Unit, then drive an additional 8 miles to the campground.