OverviewThe Sacramento Mountains are located in southern New Mexico. They are part of the Lincoln National Forest, and rise prominently above the majestic Tularosa Basin. Capped by the towering Sierra Blanca, the Sacramentos are the first mountains travelers encounter coming in from the east. Their gentle eastern slope is almost imperceptible at times, but once you reach the range crest at Cloudcroft, it’s a steep 16-mile drop into the Tularosa Basin over 4,000’ below. The Sacramento Mountains are also home to two major observatories: Sunspot and Apache Point.
Sierra Blanca dominates the range, and rightly so as it is New Mexico’s most prominent peak. Nearby Carrizo Peak and Palko Peak are also impressive mountains, and appear on the prominence list as well. But the Sacramento Mountains have two other unnamed highpoints that are worth mentioning. They are of essentially equal elevation, and are virtually unknown. They rise imperceptibly above the range crest near Sunspot, and are nothing more than forested bumps that just happen to be slightly higher than everything else around them. They are not impressive peaks, but they are just big enough to make an appearance on the New Mexico Prominence Map.
Getting ThereFrom Cloudcroft, drive south to Sunspot on NM 6563. Just before Sunspot, turn left onto NM E012 that heads for Timberon. The road is paved. Drive about two miles to the marked Corral Canyon trailhead. The elevation here is 8,600’. Trail 537 begins here.
Mountain ConditionsContact the Lincoln National Forest at 505-434-7296 for the latest information.
Topo Map: Sacramento Peak.
Forest Map: Lincoln National Forest (Smokey Bear & Sacramento Ranger Districts)
CampingThere are several Forest Service Campgrounds in the area.
External LinksLincoln National Forest
Sunspot Solar Observatory
Apache Point Observatory
New Mexico Prominence Map
Images
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