Recreation area

Iron Gate Trailhead

Santa Fe National Forest · New Mexico — managed by USDA Forest Service

Open recreation area — no reservation needed

About this campground

Update April 25, 2016: Potable water is unavailable at this and all other campgrounds on the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District.  The public is asked to bring water with them when camping and recreating on the forest.  Thank you for your cooperation. Situated above 9,000 feet, Iron Gate Trailhead provides the closest access to panoramic views of the Pecos Wilderness. Uses: hiking, backpacking, horseback Riding. Facilities: vaulted toiled, trash bins, and information board. Parking for vehicles and trailers. Special Instructions: Users are encouraged to recycle and pack out trash. Please visit the Leave No Trace website for more information about frontcountry and backcountry outdoor ethics at www.lnt.org.

Getting there

23 miles north of Pecos on NM 63 and Forest Road 223.  FR 223 is a rough dirt road and may not be suitable for low clearance passenger vehicles.

Activities

  • HIKING
  • HORSEBACK RIDING

Nearby federal campgrounds

Explore more New Mexico camping

Iron Gate Trailhead doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby New Mexico campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.

Browse New Mexico camping →

Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.