Venado Peak is the highest and the most central peak in the Latir Peak Wilderness of northern New Mexico and is the 10th highest (New Mexico Highest List) peak in the entire state of New Mexico. Because of it's central location, Venado has a spectacular 360 view of the surrounding wilderness. Although Venado is an easy hike to the summit, the views alone are worth the effort as you will most likely be alone in the center of this pristine wilderness. Several fourteen thousand foot mountains in southern Colorado can be viewed as well as several thirteen thousand foot mountains in New Mexico.

Venado from Cabresto Ridge

The Latir Peak Wilderness is located about 10 miles north (as the crow flies) of Red River, New Mexico in the Sangre De Christo Mountain Range and is also located within the Carson National Forest.

Latir Peak Wilderness

Although the peaks of this relatively small wilderness (20,000 acres) are rounded and are easily climbed, the beauty of this wilderness is striking and makes it a worthy place to visit. Because of its remote location, the peaks of the Latir Wilderness remain uncrowded unlike some of the places in its southern neighbor, the Pecos Wilderness. Established in 1980, the Latir Peak Wilderness is one of New Mexico's finest.

Approaching Venado Peak from Latir Mesa. (Photo by SteveF Nov. 2003)

In addition to plenty of high alpine meadows and tundra for the adventurous hiker to enjoy, the Latir Wilderness offers plenty of high alpine lakes. The stunning Latir Lakes offer the fisherman and hiker a remote and beautiful collection of nine lakes seldom seen, seven of which stack up one by one like stairs below 12,708 ft. Latir Peak. Seven other peaks in this wilderness top 12,000 ft.

Getting There

From the town of Questa, New Mexico, drive 2/10 of a mile East on NM 38 towards Red River. There will be a sign directing you to turn left towards Cabresto Lake (NM State Highway 563). About 6 miles up the road, make a left turn (forest road 134A) at the sign directing you towards Cabresto Lake. It is 2 miles to a parking area from this point. The road is very rough and steep, passable by some 2x2 vehicles with good ground clearance. A 4x4 will make this road much easier. There is a fairly large parking area with a few campsites available if you desire to camp. You will be easily able to find the trailhead which passes by Cabresto Lake on the West.

Virsilvia Peak, Venado Peak, Cabresto Peak, Mt. Questa, and Pinabete Peak. Photo courtesy of (dherrera96)

From the trailhead, hike approximately two and one-half miles, then turn left on the Bull Creek Trail. Hike 4 miles up a sometimes steep but suprisingly nice trail. Cairns will lead you through one meadow where the trail disappears. As you are approaching the ridge above the last meadow, the trail will split. Take the right fork and proceed up switchbacks to the ridge. Take a right turn on the Hart Lake trail. After hiking about one-half mile you will turn left leaving the trail and climb straight up the grassy slopes of Venado. The total elevation gain from Cabresto Lake to the summit of Venado is 3,600 ft.

Red Tape

There are no fees or permits required as long as you access the Latir Wilderness from the Cabresto Lake side.

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.

US Forest Service Information:

Questa Ranger District
P.O. Box 110
Questa, NM 87556
(505)586-0520
(505)758-6230

Current Northern New Mexico Fire Restrictions Website

Sangre de Christo Mountains Avalanche Information:

Note: This information pertains to the southern Colorado Sangre de Christo mountains, however Venado Peak may have similar conditions because it is so close to the Colorado border.

Avalanche Information website

When To Climb

This peak can be climbed at any time of year, although the summer months of June through September are the best. Plan on summitting early to avoid common afternoon showers containing lightning during the summer months. October through May will vary depending on the snowfall. Avalanche dangers can exist during the winter months.

Camping

There are several places to camp at the trailhead although it can be crowded on the weekends. There are numerous campsites along the trail and above timberline if you so choose.

Weather Info

External Links

Images