White Mountain Wilderness
Encyclopedia
The White Mountain Wilderness is a protected wilderness area within the Lincoln National Forest
, Smokey Bear Ranger District. The White Mountain Wilderness is located in the Sierra Blanca
Mountains of south central New Mexico
, approximately 15 miles (24.1 km) north northwest of the town of Ruidoso.
in 1964. The area originally consisted of approximately 25000 acres (10,117.2 ha). In 1980, additional land was added to bring the overall total to over 48000 acres (19,424.9 ha).
There are four different life zones within this wilderness area: Pinyon-juniper
, Ponderosa Pine
, mixed conifer, and sub-alpine forest. There are abrupt changes in elevation, escarpments, rock outcroppings, and avalanche chutes which make for striking contrast and scenery. The area is also interspersed with several meadows and grass-oak savannahs, which are the result of forest fires. The weather is dry and windy in springtime, with temperatures ranging from 32 °F/0 °C to 80 °F/26 °C. July and August are the rainy months with frequent afternoon showers and high temperatures averaging 85 °F/29 °C. Snows in winter do not typically begin until mid-November, and snowfall averages 6 feet (1.8 m) or more. Low temperatures during winter average around 22 °F (-5.6 °C), but have reached as low as -15 F.
Water sources are not abundant, but do exist in the form of small streams or springs scattered throughout the area. Trails with good water access include Big Bonito Trail and South Fork Trail. Although fishing is permitted within the wilderness area, few fish are found due to the small size of most streams. Although the streams run well most of the year, in times of severe drought, they may be non-existent.
, elk
, black bear
, turkey
, porcupine
, badger
, bobcat
, gray fox
, coyote
, skunk
, spruce and rock squirrel
s, and numerous species of mice
, moles
, and birds. Feral Hogs are also becoming abundant in this region. Hunting is permitted according to state game regulations. Additionally, as in all national forests, concealed carry of firearms for personal protection is permitted, provided the person has a concealed handgun license recognized by the state of New Mexico.
The area contains a well maintained and developed trail system with more than fifty miles of trails and nine miles (14 km) of access trails. Most trails are well marked and follow ridgelines or canyon bottoms. These trails are easily negotiated by novice to advanced hikers and backpackers as well as horse riders. Park regulations prohibit the use of motorized vehicles and mountain bikes on trails.
Major access points to the wilderness include:
Lincoln National Forest
The Lincoln National Forest is a protected national forest in the State of New Mexico in the southwestern United States. It was established in 1902 and covers 1,103,828 acres...
, Smokey Bear Ranger District. The White Mountain Wilderness is located in the Sierra Blanca
Sierra Blanca
Sierra Blanca is a range of volcanic mountains in Lincoln and Otero counties of south-central New Mexico. The range is about from north to south and wide, and is dominated by Sierra Blanca Peak, whose highest point is at...
Mountains of south central New Mexico
New Mexico
New Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
, approximately 15 miles (24.1 km) north northwest of the town of Ruidoso.
History
The White Mountain Wilderness was established as a primitive area by the United States Congress in 1933 and was included in the National Wilderness Preservation SystemNational Wilderness Preservation System
The National Wilderness Preservation System of the United States protects federally managed land areas designated for preservation in their natural condition. It was established by the Wilderness Act upon the signature of President Lyndon B. Johnson on September 3, 1964...
in 1964. The area originally consisted of approximately 25000 acres (10,117.2 ha). In 1980, additional land was added to bring the overall total to over 48000 acres (19,424.9 ha).
Geography and Climate
This wilderness area contains approximately 48873 acres (19,778.2 ha) of land and is 12.5 miles (20.1 km) long and 12 miles (19.3 km) wide. It consists of mainly a long, northerly running ridge and its branches. The west side of this ridge is extremely steep and rugged, while the eastern side is more gentle with broader, forested canyons and some small streams. Elevations range from 6400 feet (1,950.7 m) at Three Rivers Campground on the western side to 11580 feet (3,529.6 m) near Lookout Mountain in the south.There are four different life zones within this wilderness area: Pinyon-juniper
Juniper
Junipers are coniferous plants in the genus Juniperus of the cypress family Cupressaceae. Depending on taxonomic viewpoint, there are between 50-67 species of juniper, widely distributed throughout the northern hemisphere, from the Arctic, south to tropical Africa in the Old World, and to the...
, Ponderosa Pine
Ponderosa Pine
Pinus ponderosa, commonly known as the Ponderosa Pine, Bull Pine, Blackjack Pine, or Western Yellow Pine, is a widespread and variable pine native to western North America. It was first described by David Douglas in 1826, from eastern Washington near present-day Spokane...
, mixed conifer, and sub-alpine forest. There are abrupt changes in elevation, escarpments, rock outcroppings, and avalanche chutes which make for striking contrast and scenery. The area is also interspersed with several meadows and grass-oak savannahs, which are the result of forest fires. The weather is dry and windy in springtime, with temperatures ranging from 32 °F/0 °C to 80 °F/26 °C. July and August are the rainy months with frequent afternoon showers and high temperatures averaging 85 °F/29 °C. Snows in winter do not typically begin until mid-November, and snowfall averages 6 feet (1.8 m) or more. Low temperatures during winter average around 22 °F (-5.6 °C), but have reached as low as -15 F.
Water sources are not abundant, but do exist in the form of small streams or springs scattered throughout the area. Trails with good water access include Big Bonito Trail and South Fork Trail. Although fishing is permitted within the wilderness area, few fish are found due to the small size of most streams. Although the streams run well most of the year, in times of severe drought, they may be non-existent.
Wildlife and Trails
Wildlife includes mule deerMule Deer
The mule deer is a deer indigenous to western North America. The Mule Deer gets its name from its large mule-like ears. There are believed to be several subspecies, including the black-tailed deer...
, elk
Elk
The Elk is the large deer, also called Cervus canadensis or wapiti, of North America and eastern Asia.Elk may also refer to:Other antlered mammals:...
, black bear
American black bear
The American black bear is a medium-sized bear native to North America. It is the continent's smallest and most common bear species. Black bears are omnivores, with their diets varying greatly depending on season and location. They typically live in largely forested areas, but do leave forests in...
, turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
, porcupine
Porcupine
Porcupines are rodents with a coat of sharp spines, or quills, that defend or camouflage them from predators. They are indigenous to the Americas, southern Asia, and Africa. Porcupines are the third largest of the rodents, behind the capybara and the beaver. Most porcupines are about long, with...
, badger
Badger
Badgers are short-legged omnivores in the weasel family, Mustelidae. There are nine species of badger, in three subfamilies : Melinae , Mellivorinae , and Taxideinae...
, bobcat
Bobcat
The bobcat is a North American mammal of the cat family Felidae, appearing during the Irvingtonian stage of around 1.8 million years ago . With twelve recognized subspecies, it ranges from southern Canada to northern Mexico, including most of the continental United States...
, gray fox
Gray Fox
The gray fox is a mammal of the order Carnivora ranging throughout most of the southern half of North America from southern Canada to the northern part of South America...
, coyote
Coyote
The coyote , also known as the American jackal or the prairie wolf, is a species of canine found throughout North and Central America, ranging from Panama in the south, north through Mexico, the United States and Canada...
, skunk
Skunk
Skunks are mammals best known for their ability to secrete a liquid with a strong, foul odor. General appearance varies from species to species, from black-and-white to brown or cream colored. Skunks belong to the family Mephitidae and to the order Carnivora...
, spruce and rock squirrel
Rock Squirrel
The rock squirrel is a species of rodent in the family Sciuridae. It is found in Mexico and the United States. It is 43–53 cm long.-External links:**...
s, and numerous species of mice
MICE
-Fiction:*Mice , alien species in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy*The Mice -Acronyms:* "Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions", facilities terminology for events...
, moles
Mole (animal)
Moles are small cylindrical mammals adapted to a subterranean lifestyle. They have velvety fur; tiny or invisible ears and eyes; and short, powerful limbs with large paws oriented for digging. The term is especially and most properly used for the true moles, those of the Talpidae family in the...
, and birds. Feral Hogs are also becoming abundant in this region. Hunting is permitted according to state game regulations. Additionally, as in all national forests, concealed carry of firearms for personal protection is permitted, provided the person has a concealed handgun license recognized by the state of New Mexico.
The area contains a well maintained and developed trail system with more than fifty miles of trails and nine miles (14 km) of access trails. Most trails are well marked and follow ridgelines or canyon bottoms. These trails are easily negotiated by novice to advanced hikers and backpackers as well as horse riders. Park regulations prohibit the use of motorized vehicles and mountain bikes on trails.
Major access points to the wilderness include:
- Three Rivers Campground on the west side via Three Rivers Trail #44
- Ski ApacheSki ApacheSki Apache is a ski resort in southern New Mexico, on the slopes of Sierra Blanca. It is owned and operated, since 1963, by the Mescalero Apache Tribe. The resort is home to Ross Anderson, an acclaimed speed skier of Native American descent, who is the resort's marketing manager...
ski area on the southeast side via Lookout Trail #78 and Scenic Trail #15 - South Fork Campground via South Fork Trail #19
- Argentina Canyon via Big Bonito Trail #36
- Nogal Canyon via Forest Service Road 108
- Crest Trailhead below Monjeau Lookout off Forest Road 117