Cabresto Peak is a beautiful peak located in the Latir Peak Wilderness of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Northern New Mexico. It is the 24th highest (New Mexico Highest List) peak in New Mexico. Cabresto is a seldom climbed peak located in one of the finest yet less travelled wildernesses of New Mexico. Views of the peak are obscure at best from any road so a hike up into the heart of the wilderness are necessary to view this peak in all its grandeur.

Cabresto Peak from the Hart Lake Trail

Cabresto looks as if it has been stretched out, creating a long "sidewalk in the sky" ridge run to get to its summit. Views from the ridge and the summit of the southeastern and central peaks of the Latirs are in perfect view as well as the Rio Grande Canyon and some of the volcanic summits of the Rio Grande Valley to the west. Views south into New Mexico and north into Colorado can also be viewed from the summit.

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.

The central high country of the Latir Peak Wilderness

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. Five 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 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.

Red Tape

There 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 Cabresto 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.

Virsilvia Peak from the summit of Cabresto

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.

Mountain Conditions

Images