Welcome to the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF). Some of the finest scenery in the Southwest is found in the 1.6-million-acre Santa Fe National Forest. Here, you can find the headwaters of Pecos, Jemez, and Gallinas Rivers; mountain streams; lakes; and trout fishing. Travel into Pecos, San Pedro Parks, Chama, and Dome Wildernesses via wilderness pack trips, saddle, or on 1,000 miles of hiking trails. Try whitewater rafting on the Rio Chama or Rio Grande from May to September. Consider turkey, elk, deer, and bear hunting, or visit one of many nearby Indian pueblos, Spanish missions, and Indian ruins. Golden aspen grace the high country from September to October and snow blankets Santa Fe Ski Basin in winter.
This is an ammo can and is easy to find. It contains informational brochures, Forest Service Swag and other kids goodies. You are always welcome to stop in our office and say hi and see what else the Santa Fe National Forest has to offer. The SFNF Headquarters lobby hours are M-F 8am-4:30pm. We are closed on all Federal Holidays. Please follow the rules below and enjoy your time with us on the Santa Fe National Forest.
Geocachers anticipating a visit to a National Forest are encouraged to become aware of the very brief General Rules for Visitors to National Forests, and practice the Leave No Trace (LNT.org) ethics which closely parallel Geocaching's "Cache In Trash Out".
All rules and regulations on the national forest apply to geocaching on the Santa Fe National Forest. If you are uncertain of rules and regulations, please feel free to come into any office and ask or give us a call at (505)438-5300.
Physical Geocaching is not permitted in congressionally designated Wilderness Areas per FSM 2320, or in any other nationally designated areas such as national scenic areas, historic or scenic trails. Virtual geocaches are welcome in these areas.
Geocaching is permissible in all other General Forest Areas provided there is no natural resource damage or vandalism to government facilities.
Geocaching is not permitted within areas designated as national historic landmarks, sites, or prehistoric sites.
When Geocaching, natural resources are not to be disturbed, nor are they allowed to be removed from NFS lands. That includes soil disturbance/digging, removal of vegetation, disturbance of natural features, etc. Avoid sensitive areas like wetlands or streams.
When Geocaching, historical artifacts or features are not to be disturbed or removed.
Geocaching shall not interfere with other permitted activities such as outfitter and guide designated campsites.
When Geocaching, motorized vehicle use and parking shall be in compliance with all travel regulations and Motor Vehicle Use Maps. These maps are available at all Rangers Districts on the forest, in the Supervisor’s Office, and online at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/santafe/landmanagement/projects/?cid=stelprdb5411664. You can also download them onto your GPS units or smartphones by following directions at the above site.