Overview
Lookout Mountain carries the distinction of being the highest peak in Lincoln National Forest as well as the highest peak on public property in Southern New Mexico. Only the Sangre de Cristo Range in Northern New Mexico contains any higher peaks on public land.
Sandwiched in a small area between the White Mountain Wilderness (see also Nogal Peak and White Horse Hill) and the Mascalero Apache Indian Reservation, Lookout Mountain resides a mile and 1/2 away from Southern New Mexico's highest summit, Sierra Blanca. Most people summit Lookout on their way to Sierra Blanca, but Lookout is a worthy summit in its own right due to its spectacular views. The Sandias to the north, the Capitans to the east, the Guadalupes to the South, the Organ Mountains to the southwest, and several other mountain ranges can all be viewed from the summit. White Sands National Park can also be seen almost 7,500 ft. below to the west.
As an added bonus, no permission is needed to summit Lookout unlike Sierra Blanca. If you are unable to obtain permission from the Mascalero Apaches to summit Sierra Blanca, summit Lookout Mountain anyway. You won't be disappointed.
Getting There
New Mexico Highway 532 near the trailhead.
As of September 2004, the main highway into Ruidoso from the east and west (Highway 70) is a construction nightmare. If at all possible, use highway 380 to the north.
From Roswell, make a right turn on Highway 380 which is approximately 26 miles east of Ruidoso. Drive approximately 22.5 miles and take a left turn on Highway 48 in the town of Capitan. Drive 13.5 miles (Highway 48 becomes Highway 37 before your turnoff) and take a right turn on Highway 532. There will be a sign pointing you to Ski Apache. Drive up this twisty and winding road for approximately 12 miles to the last curve before reaching Ski Apache. There will be parking on either side of the road and there will be a sign marking the start of Trail # 15.
UPDATE per Jessicahiker: "Hwy nightmare is over. Just spent 4 days in Ruidoso. Road open and clear.Except about a 1/4 of a mile stretch of hwy just 2 miles east of Ruidoso. This is the only construction and all it seems they are doing is cleaning up the debris. Otherwise, open and nice! Traveled November 28th 2005."
Be sure and stop at Windy Point along the way for some excellent photographic opportunities. Excellent views of Sierra Blanca and the town of Ruidoso can be seen from this turnout.
Red Tape
No fees or permits required. Although Lookout does not reside in the White Mountain Wilderness, the route to the top travels into this wilderness so wilderness rules apply. 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
This peak should be accessible year round because the road to Ski Apache will be plowed in the winter. Snowshoes will be required during high snow periods. High winds may also be encountered at any time of the year due to its exposed location 7,500 ft. above the sand dunes to the west. Plan accordingly. Summer months can be quite hot so bring at least a gallon of water. There are no sources of water in route to the top unless you are hiking in the winter when Ski Apache is open.
Camping
There are several free camping areas on the way up highway 532 since this highway is located in Lincoln National Forest. The town of Ruidoso has plenty of lodging if you so choose. See the link to the Ruidoso website in the Links section on the left hand side of this page.
Mountain Conditions
External LinksImages
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Sierra Blanca Range
