OverviewEast Pecos Baldy is one of over a dozen 12,000 ft. + mountains located in the Pecos Wilderness of Northern New Mexico. It ranks as the 20th highest (New Mexico Highest List) summit in New Mexico. It, along with its neighbor Pecos Baldy (12,500 ft.), is in between the Truchas group to the north and the Santa Fe Baldy group to the south.
East Pacos Baldy (right) and Trailriders Wall from the summit of South Truchas Peak
Pecos Baldy has a rounded and easy to reach summit, however, it does have a very steep east face leading down to the beautiful Pecos Baldy Lake. There is a class 2 ridge that connects it with its lower neighbor Pecos Baldy.
Pecos Baldy Lake is one of the more popular places to visit in the Pecos Wilderness because of its close proximity (6 miles) to the trailhead, however, the peak itself will be much less crowded. Much of the traffic in the Pecos Wilderness are backpackers rather than peak baggers.
Pecos WildernessThe Pecos Wilderness is the second largest wilderness in New Mexico comprising 223,667 acres of the southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains and contains 10 of the highest 20 peaks in New Mexico. It was established on March 11, 1955, and became part of the National Wilderness Preservaton System on September 3, 1964.
The Pecos River Valley and Hamilton Mesa in route along the Beatty's Cabin Trail.
The Pecos is a truly spectacular wilderness consisting of high alpine lakes, rugged peaks, green mesas, wild rivers, beautiful wildflowers, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. Over 13 miles of the Pecos river is designated "wild" in the Wild and Scenic Rivers system. Climb the peaks, but bring a backpack and plan on staying a while.
Getting ThereFrom Santa Fe, head east on I-25 for about 10 miles. Exit highway 63 towards the town of Pecos. Drive about 10 miles north on a nice paved road until it dead ends at Jack's Creek Campground. The trail starts here.
Red TapeEast Pecos Baldy is located in the Pecos Wilderness. Wilderness rules apply. Certain locations in the Pecos Wilderness prohibit camping. Included in these areas are Pecos Baldy Lake, the Truchas lakes, and Beatty's Cabin. Please observe these restrictions in this delicate environment. There are plenty of other locations to camp. No permits are required.
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. No fees or permits are required to enter the Pecos Wilderness. Tread very lightly please.
When To ClimbJune through October are the best times to climb in the Pecos Wilderness. Monsoon thunderstorms are common in July and August. Winter and early spring months are for the experienced winter mountaineers only. Harsh weather and avalanches can be expected in the winter and spring.
CampingThere are plenty of places to camp at Jack's Creek Campground at the trailhead. Camping is $10 a day, and parking is $2 a day if you are not camping at Jack's Creek. In the winter when the water is turned off there is no fee, however, the road is only plowed to Cowles which is 2 miles before the campground.
For road conditions, call the Pecos Ranger District at 505.757.6121
Forest Service InformationInformation on the southern trailheads and road conditions of the Pecos Wilderness.
Pecos Wilderness office (located in Pecos, NM) of the Santa Fe National Forest: (505) 757.6121
The Carson and Santa Fe National Forest service jointly manage the Pecos Wilderness. For more information click on their respective home pages:
Santa Fe National Forest
1474 Rodeo Road
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Phone:(505) 438-7840
Fax:(505) 438-7834
Santa Fe National Forest Home Page
Camino Real Ranger District (Carson National Forest)
P.O. Box 68
Penasco, NM 87553
(505)587-2255
Carson National Forest and information on any fire restrictions website
Sangre de Cristo Mountains Avalanche Information:
Note: This information pertains to the southern Colorado Sangre de Cristo mountains, however the Pecos Wilderness could be included because it is so close to the Colorado border and is located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Avalanche Information website
Mountain Conditions
External Links Images
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Sangre de Cristo Mountains
