Overview
White Horse Hill is the highest named peak in the Northern White Mountain Wilderness, although there is some land higher but not prominent enough to be considered a mountain. The Southestern New Mexico mountain resort town of Ruidoso is the closest major town to White Horse Hill. Its easy access and stunning views make this a fine mountain for a day hike. Rising up more than 6,000 ft. above the White Sands National Monument to the west, vistas over 100 miles can be viewed from its summit, along with stunning views of the Southern White Mountain Wilderness and Sierra Blanca within the Mascalero Apache Indian Reservation just to the north. A climb of White Horse Hill will is an excellent introduction into this beautiful wilderness. See also, close by Nogal Peak and Lookout Mountain.
White Horse Hill from Nogal Peak
White Mountain Wilderness
The White Mountain Wilderness is located in the Lincoln National Forest of southeastern New Mexico. It was first designated a primitive area of 25,000 acres in 1933. In 1957 6,000 more acres were added and the land became known as a "wild area." In 1964 it became part of the wilderness system under the wilderness act. The New Mexico Wilderness Act of 1980 expanded the wilderness to its now present 48,000 acres. Its elevation ranges from 6,000 feet near Diamond Peak to 11,300 ft. near Lookout Mountain and the Mascalero Apache Indian Reservation.
White Horse Hill (right) and Pt. 11,300 (left) from Argentine Peak
This wilderness is located within the Sacramento Mountains, a linear north/south mountain range. The wilderness is itself horseshoe shaped with the highest elevations to the north. Sierra Blanca is the highest peak in the mountain range, but lies just outside of the wilderness boundry to the north within the Mascalero Apache Indian Reservation. Panoramic views along the backbone of this wilderness can be viewed along the 21 mile long Crest Trail. Several trails intersect the Crest Trail allowing for day hikes up to and over smaller sections of it.
Contrasts in elevation with the wilderness allow for a varied collection of plant life. Semi-desert plants, pinon pine and juniper trees are common in the lower areas, while spruce, fir, and high elevation mountain meadow grasses and forbs are common in the higher elevations.
Getting There
Drive north out of Ruidoso New Mexico on highway 48 for approximately 12 miles to the small town of Angus. Turn left on highway 37. After driving approximately 3 miles, continue straight on forest road # 107. Drive approximately 6 miles passing by Bonito Lake along the way. Continue driving along forest road #107 for another mile past where forest road #108 splits off to the right. The road will dead end at the Big Bonito Trailhead (T#36). There is a small parking area at the trailhead, or plenty more parking in a large camping area that also has a small restroom.
Red Tape
No fees or permits required. 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
White Horse Hill is best climbed from April through November. It can be climbed in winter months when there hasn't been much snow. The road to the trailhead is not plowed. Summer months can get quite hot so bring plenty of water.
Camping
Opportunities for camping can be found on the Bonito Canyon Road (#107) after entering the national forest about 2 miles after passing by Bonito Lake. There is also plenty of camping right at the trailhead. There are few areas to camp on the lower elevations of the trail due to the dense forest; however, higher up near the Crest Trail (T#25) there are plenty of meadows to make camp in if you want to make the trip a backcountry overnighter.
Mountain Conditions
External LinksImages
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Sierra Blanca Range
