Cruces Basin Th
Open year-round for dispersed camping, though access depends entirely on road conditions. Forest Roads 87 and 572 are not plowed in winter and may be impassable from late fall through early summer due to snowpack. Roads can also become impassable for days following heavy rain. No permits required for overnight use.
Flood Watch issued October 31 at 11:53AM MDT until November 2 at 11:00AM MST by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of north central, northwest, and west central New Mexico, including the following areas, in north central New Mexico, Far Northwest Highlands, Jemez Mountains, Northwest Highlands and Tusas Mountains Including Chama. In northwest New Mexico, Chuska Mountains and Northwest Plateau. In west central New Mexico, San Francisco River Valley, Southwest Mountains, West Central Highlands, West Central Mountains and West Central Plateau. * WHEN...From late tonight through Monday morning. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Another round of widespread rainfall is expected Sunday into Monday with rainfall amounts generally between 1 and 2 inches near and west of the Continental Divide, except near 3 inches in favored upslope regions of the Tusas Mountains near Chama. This rainfall will occur over very saturated soils which will increase runoff. These are also areas that are still recovering from the last flood event. River rises are likely, but rises are not expected to be as high as the last flood event. If river flooding materializes, it will likely continue into Monday evening. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Cannabis Possession Prohibited
Order 03-00-00-21-002 prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting a cannabis plant, any part of a cannabis plant, or any substance derived from a cannabis plant within the Southwestern Region National Forests in the State of New Mexico and the National Grasslands in the states of Texas and…
Post-Storm Road Conditions
Recent storms have caused degrading road conditions in some parts of the forest, especially on the Jicarilla Ranger District, where roads are largely inaccessible.With more weather forecasted, visitors should understand that road conditions can change fast: A road used to enter the forest may not…
About
Cruces Basin TH serves as the primary southeastern access point to the Cruces Basin Wilderness, a remote 18,867-acre wilderness designated by Congress in 1980. Located in the southern San Juan Mountains northwest of Tres Piedras, this is the least-visited wilderness on the Carson and among the most difficult to access. The primitive trailhead sits at approximately 10,000 feet elevation where dispersed camping is permitted on adjacent National Forest land. Access requires driving about 11 miles north of Tres Piedras on US Highway 285 to Forest Road 87, then following the rough dirt road for approximately 21 miles before turning onto Forest Road 572 for the final 2 miles to the trailhead. These roads receive little maintenance and can become impassable after heavy rain or during winter snow. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended. The wilderness itself has no designated trails, only angler-created and game trails. The basin features meadows, streams, aspen groves, and mixed conifer forests. No permits are required for day use or overnight visits. Campers should be fully self-sufficient with water, waste disposal, and all supplies.
Directions
From Tres Piedras, drive north on US Highway 285 for approximately 11 miles to Forest Road 87 and turn left. Follow FR 87 for about 21 miles, passing FR 87A. One mile past FR 87A, turn right onto FR 572 and continue 2 miles to the trailhead at the end of the road. High-clearance vehicle recommended.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 758-6200 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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