New Mexico
At the Mexico border near Antelope Wells, the trail crosses the grayish limestone outcrops of the Big Hatchett Mountains, winding north through the arid New Mexico desert before it reaches the rugged, forested mountains of the Gila National Forest, and one of our country's most spectacular Wilderness Areas, the Aldo Leopold. The Trail then crosses the Badlands ("El Malpais"), one of the best examples of recent volcanic landscapes in the U.S. Here the Trail coincides with the 1,000-year-old Zuni-Acoma trade route, crossing rugged lava flows. Before reaching Colorado, the Trail travels through the Cibola National Forest, dramatic canyonlands near the famous Ghost Ranch and the Carson and Santa Fe National Forests.

New Mexico is home to the pika, pronghorn antelope, roadrunner, javelina and turkey vultures as well as the prickly pear, columbine and yucca. Also thriving in New Mexico is a distinct culture enriched with Native American, Hispanic and European influences.

Permit Information
Some Indian Reservation lands and Wilderness Areas may require permits. Permission to cross or camp on non-federal and private lands must be obtained from the appropriate land owners.

Directions
The CDT trail begins in New Mexico at the Mexico border near Antelope Wells.

Information Center
You may visit the information centers in Gila National Forest, Cibola National Forest, Carson National Forests, Santa Fe National Forest, other national forests.

Activities