Virsylvia Peak is a smooth, green, and picturesque peak located in the beautiful but less travelled Latir Peaks wilderness of the Sangre de Cristo Range of Northern New Mexico. It is the 18th highest (New Mexico Highest List) peak in New Mexico. Because of its eastern location within the wilderness and the lack of trails to the summit, Virsylvia is a seldom climbed peak. The peak is a favorite grazing ground for mountain goats due to its large areas of grassy tundra on and around the summit.

Virsylvia Peak from Cabresto Peak

Views from the summit are excellent. All of the big peaks of the Latirs are viewable as well as views into Colorado, south into more New Mexican Sangre de Cristos, and uninhibited views down into the Rio Grande Valley and surrounding volcanic peaks. Access to this peak requires a traverse over the Latirs highest peak (Venado) and a nice and high above timberline ridge run.

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.

Virsylvia Peak and Venado Peak 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.

Latir Peak from the Venado/Virsilvia Ridge

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