Nogal Peak is the highest and most notable peak in the Southern White Mountain Wilderness in the southeastern part of New Mexico near the town of Ruidoso. Its easy access and stunning views make this a fine mountain for a day hike. Tall grass, scrub oak and other miscelaneous shrubbery give this cone shaped peak a unique look.

Nogal Peak from Argentine Canyon

Rising up 6,000 ft. above the White Sands National Monument to the west, vistas over 100 miles can be viewed from its summit, along with stunning views of the Northern White Mountain Wilderness (see Lookout Mountain) and Sierra Blanca within the Mascalero Apache Indian Reservation. See also, close by White Horse Hill.

White Mountain Wilderness

The White Mountain Wilderness is located in the Lincoln National Forest of southeastern New Mexico. It was first designated a primitive area of 25,000 acres in 1933. In 1957 6,000 more acres were added and the land became known as a "wild area." In 1964 it became part of the wilderness system under the wilderness act. The New Mexico Wilderness Act of 1980 expanded the wilderness to its now present 48,000 acres. Its elevation ranges from 6,000 feet near Diamond Peak to 11,300 ft. near Lookout Mountain and the Mascalero Apache Indian Reservation.

Nogal Peak in the fall

This wilderness is located within the Sacramento Mountains, a linear north/south mountain range. The wilderness is itself horseshoe shaped with the highest elevations to the north. Sierra Blanca is the highest peak in the mountain range, but lies just outside of the wilderness boundry to the north within the Mascalero Apache Indian Reservation. Panoramic views along the backbone of this wilderness can be viewed along the 21 mile long Crest Trail. Several trails intersect the Crest Trail allowing for day hikes up to and over smaller sections of it.

Contrasts in elevation with the wilderness allow for a varied collection of plant life. Semi-desert plants, pinon pine and juniper trees are common in the lower areas, while spruce, fir, and high elevation mountain meadow grasses and forbs are common in the higher elevations.

Getting There

From the south (Ruidoso): Drive north out of Ruidoso, New Mexico on highway 48 for approximately 12 miles to the small town of Angus. Turn left on highway 37. After driving approximately 1.25 miles, Highway 37 makes a right turn north. Do not turn north but continue on straight (west) towards Bonita Lake. On the Forest Service map this road is labelled as FR 107 but may not be labelled as such at this intersection. There should be signs directing you towards Bonita Lake.

Drive approximately 6 miles passing by Bonito Lake along the way. Turn right on forest road # 108 (Tanbark Canyon) and drive approximately 2 1/2 miles up (a few switchbacks) to a cattle guard where the road tops out. The trailhead (Crest Trail # 25) and a small parking area is on the other side of the cattleguard to your left (see picture below). Thanks perkins for the mileage correction.

From the north (Nogal): From highway 380, 80 miles west of Roswell, head south for 4 miles to the town of Nogal. Pass through this small town and take a right turn on the Nogal Canyon Road (#400) which is also labelled CO15 on the sign. Drive approximately 7 miles on this maintained dirt road until it makes a left turn and turns into FR 108. . Turn left on forest road #108 and drive approximately 3/4 of a mile up this steep switchbacking road to where it tops out at a cattle guard. A small parking lot and the trailhead (Crest Trail # 25) is located just before crossing the cattle guard.

Note: Access to the trailhead may not be possible in the winter during heavy snow years or after a heavy snow. The roads are not plowed. During my winter trip of 2004, forest road 108 had far less snow on the south side coming from Ruidoso than on the north side coming from Nogal. Also, the switchbacks on 108 are steeper coming from Nogal. A 4x4 is not necessary when there is no snow.

Red Tape and Forest Service Information

No fees or permits required. During dry periods the wilderness areas can be closed by park rangers.

Current Lincoln National Forest Fire Information Website

Wilderness is land set aside as part of wild America, where man can be a visitor. The natural environment has not been disturbed. Travel is restricted to foot or horseback. No mechanized equipment is allowed.

The Wilderness Act of 1964 gives this definition of the concept of wilderness: "A wilderness, in contrast with those areas where man and his own works dominate the landscape, is hereby recognized as an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.".

Tread very lightly please in this beautiful wilderness.

Lincoln National Forest Home Page Website

When To Climb

Nogal Peak is best climbed from April through November. It can be climbed in winter months when there hasn't been much snow. The road to the trailhead is not plowed. Summer months can get quite hot so bring plenty of water.

Camping

Several areas to camp (free) alongside the road (Lincoln National Forest) can be found on the upper portions of the Nogal Canyon Road (#400). Many more opportunities for camping can be found on the Bonito Canyon Road (#107) after entering the national forest about 2 miles after passing by Bonito Lake.

Mountain Conditions

External Links

Gorp page with information on Lincoln National Forest
Informationsphere.com
Cool satellite photo of the Sacramento Mountains including the White Mountain Wilderness (the only location of snow in the photo).
Glaciation in the Sacramento Mountains
An interesting article on the historical existence of the southernmost glaciers in North America.

Images



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