Overview"Cabresto Sur Este" (unnamed on USGS map) is one of 7 peaks over 12,000 ft. in the Latir Peaks Wilderness of northern New Mexico. It is the 23rd highest (New Mexico Highest List) summit in New Mexico. It is the southernmost peak in this wilderness located directly above Cabresto Lake and the closest peak to the main trailhead. 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.
Cabresto Sur Este as seen from Venado Peak. August 2005.
The views from the summit of Mount Questa rival any other place in New Mexico. Several fourteen thousand foot mountains (Culebra, the Blanca group, and the Crestones) in southern Colorado can be viewed as well as several thirteen thousand foot mountains (the Wheeler Peak group, and the Truchas Peak group) in New Mexico. Excellent views of the highest peak in New Mexico and Red River Ski resort are easily visible from the summit.
Cabresto sur Este from Greenie Peak. Photo by dherrera96 Latir Peak WildernessAlthough 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.
A view of "Bull Creek Peak" (12,170ft.) along the upper reaches of the Bull Creek Trail
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 ThereFrom 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 5.7 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, "Cabresto Sur Este", and Pinabete Peak.
Photo courtesy of ( dherrera96)
Red TapeThere are no fees or permits required as long as you access the Latir Peak 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 Mt. Questa may have similar conditions because it is so close to the Colorado border.
Avalanche Information website
When To ClimbThis 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.
CampingThere 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.
Mountain Conditions
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