Taos and Santa Fe
Beacon Guidebooks has partnered with onX Backcountry. Find guidebook quality content for backcountry adventures in Taos and Santa Fe. Taos and Santa Fe has 26 zones to explore and 197 routes.
Total Zones
26
Publisher
Beacon Guidebooks
Taos and Santa Fe Overview
New Mexico has been possessed by many peoples, tribes, countries, and government entities—and without fail, those who visit become possessed by its vastness and beauty. As centuries pass and new abodes are built on top of old, the peaks and valleys forged over geologic time remain. To experience their splendor, open your eyes, take a deep breath of the high desert air, and let the rapture of the place overtake you. At no time is the splendor wasted on those who hike to these summits during the winter and spring months as they are rewarded by the incomparable bliss of sliding down on snow. A truly magical experience. Backcountry touring is a relatively new activity in New Mexico. The early days of the pandemic left many avid skiers and riders without a functioning ski area. For the cost of a lift ticket, backcountry travelers could buy a new pair of skins and open up the world outside the ski area boundaries. I never saw tracks far beyond the ski area boundaries in the 80s; it wasn’t until the early 2000s that I started to see occasional tracks. Today, it’s rare that I don’t see someone else out having fun in the sidecountry—but the wilderness experience is still very much available to those willing to explore. New Mexico offers many adventures in areas less traveled. The snow can be as deep as anywhere in the Rocky Mountains, and the spring skiing can make for quick descents. While the New Mexico snowpack shares commonalities to the snowpack at large within the Rocky Mountains, the lower latitude plus high elevation combine to form a special snowpack different from the surrounding states. The changing snowpack may be very different from the typical continental snowpack folks have come to expect in the San Juan or Elk Mountain ranges just to the north in Colorado. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend the majority of my youth, and to have made a successful guiding career, in these mountains. I share the common thread of the experience with those who have come before and those yet to make the discoveries. —James Marc Beverly
Zones Covered
Big Tesuque (Big T)
Routes
7
ATES Level
1
General Aspect
SW,W,NW
Watch dead and downed trees in this region; patrol isn’t happy when a 3 o’clock call comes in for a fractured femur or broken tib/fib in Big T—typical after the first big snow.
Routes
- Big T Approach
- Grassy Knoll
- South Cornice
- Gut Shot
- South Ridge
- Hot Tamale
- Low Rider
Chimayosos Peak
Routes
2
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
W,NW,N
Perhaps one of the more remote locations listed is Chimayosos Peak. It makes for a unique and exploratory objective with the right conditions.
Routes
- SB to Chimayosos
- Culebra
Fangorn Forest
Routes
6
ATES Level
1
General Aspect
N,E
Inspired by the Tolkein novels, these trees are magnificent to ski. They generally hold cold, powdery snow throughout the season, and tend to remain relatively stable when unfavorable conditions are present elsewhere. It’s very rare to see tracks in this zone, likely due to the distance one must travel to get here and back out and the lack of alpine terrain; it’s less of a “high and wild” experience.
Routes
- Fangorn Forest Approach
- Rowan Trees
- Deadfall
- Treebeard
- Ents
- Powerline
Gavilan
Routes
8
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
E,S
Gavilan offers a lot during good snow conditions. The approach gains approximately 1,000’/mile for just over 2,600’ of elevation gain at a pleasant 11° average incline. Stick to the main trail to avoid tight constrictions that may present non-avalanche hazards, including a short waterfall below the Y-chutes proper. Hint on entrances: use the ridgelines and gullies as handrails; check your work with an altimeter to find your way into your chosen gully. For the explorer, there is a plethora of terrain to ski in the area and the options and opportunities abound.
Routes
- Gavilan Glades
- Y4
- Y4 South Trib
- Y3
- Y2
- Y1
- Y1 South Trib
- Gavilan Exit
Goose Lake + Gold Hill
Routes
6
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
SE,N
Most of the good skiing on Gold Hill is in the Goose Lake Zone, which lies on the leeward side. Rarely is there good skiing on the west face of Gold Hill, thanks to unhindered alpine winds. This area lies outside the Columbine Hondo Wilderness, as does the access road from the Red River side, so snowmachines may be present. With a high-summit feeling, a 360° view, and low-angle terrain, Gold Hill is a rewarding objective. Several couloirs are available to ski.
Routes
- El Dorado
- La Plata
- Gooseneck
- Grimm's Goose
- Gosling
- Taos to Red River Tour
Horseshoe Lake + Lost Lake
Routes
5
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
N,S
Much more effort is required to reach these truly backcountry areas. They’re worth it. The obscurity of these zones means they’re seldom, if ever, visited by winter travelers. (It’s hardly worth it to do one line and get out, but it’s possible.) A good selection of aspects and angles is available; the ability to ski all the way to the lakes lends these lines a sense of accomplishment. Bighorn sheep winter over in this zone; if they are in your path, you need to avoid them (legally). Respect the wildlife from afar—don’t stress them.
Routes
- La Cal Basin Approach
- Horsethief
- Farrier
- Lost Lake East
- Lost Lake North Couloir
Long Canyon
Routes
16
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
E,W
This north-south running canyon’s namesake is an accurate description; it’s a good option for a long tour. The majority of the descents in this zone are shorter, but the availability to sample a multitude of southeast aspects is intriguing. Much of the upper bowl is subject to harsh environmental conditions. A GPS and a compass bearing are helpful in finding some of the upper bowl entrances.
Routes
- Avalanche Ridge Approach
- King Solomon
- Asteroid Belt
- Avy Lane
- Slides A Lot
- King Kong
- 7th Wave
- 6th Wave
- 5th Wave
- 4th Wave
- 3rd Wave (Long's End Zone)
- 2nd Wave
- 1st Wave
- Lion's Kill
- Mary's
- Ms. Meadows
Middle Fork of the Red River
Routes
6
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
N,S
The greater Middle Fork zone presents an opportunity to experience a more backcountry vibe; still, getting in and out in a day is possible. Snowmachines/snowmobiles used to roam these parts, but it is now a designated Wilderness area. Many alpine chutes and treed options exist. The aspect and location mimic the Taos Ski Area in many ways—but there’s no lifts or safety patrol bombing the slopes.
Routes
- MFRR Approach #1
- MFRR Approach #2
- Double Trigger
- Royal Fork
- Highpointer
- East Rut
Middle Truchas to Medio Truchas Peak
Routes
8
ATES Level
4
General Aspect
NE,N
Middle Truchas Peak is the western peak on this ridge at 13,044’ and Medio Truchas Peak is the eastern peak at 13,060’. See West Fork of Santa Barbara and Trampas Lakes + Jicarilla zones for other access and approach options. The Truchas mountains are seldom visited in the winter. Approaches are generally long, the terrain is steep on all aspects, and just getting there is long and sometimes arduous. Overnight camping is not mandatory, but is highly recommended (and it’s better than an unplanned night out). There’s no avalanche forecast and no cell coverage for this region of NM. Technical insertions exist; be prepared. This is truly a backcountry wilderness experience. What you’re gaining in seclusion is what you’re giving up in security and comforts often found in other areas.
Routes
- Middle Truchas Approach
- Northeast Chute of Medio
- Coriolus
- Jet Stream
- Contrail
- Supercharger
- The Cleft
- Circumflex
Nambe Cirque
Routes
13
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
W,NW,N,NE
This area is a quick hike from the lift. Currently, there is no gate and the USFS has no restrictions for the public to pass freely into the wilderness zone, but always check with the ski area for up-to-date information. There’s a little of everything in this area and several classic lines. Don’t miss skiing in this zone if you have the opportunity. There’s currently no forecast for this region, but there are online forums to glean information. See p. 66 for area overview, avalanche, and access information.
Routes
- Nambe Cirque Approach
- Heaven Hill East
- Heaven Hill
- Guph
- High Roller
- Valhalla
- Virvana
- Styx
- Rubicon
- Armageddon
- Mardi Gras
- Charon
- Acheron
Northside Glades
Routes
6
ATES Level
1
General Aspect
NW,N
All these lines can be approached from the Aspen Basin trailhead sans lift service. Note: Winsor is misspelled on some maps as “Windsor.”
Routes
- Elbow Macaroni
- Winsor Glades
- Easy Rider
- Powerline
- Cropper
- Split Tail
North W (NE Cirque of Lake Fork Peak)
Routes
13
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
N,S
Of all of the Lake Fork Peak lines, the North W hosts some of the classics. The area is home to an assortment of aspects and snow conditions, and cirques can be linked together.
Routes
- NE Cirque Approach
- Icy Spider Couloir
- Cerberus
- 4th of July Couloir
- Northwest Face
- Temptest Bowl
- Prospector Chute
- Claim Jumper
- Telluride
- Pyrite
- Fool's Gold
- Ziggurat
- Pyramid
Oscura Lake
Routes
5
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
N,E
This area is seldom visited, but is home to some great ski descents. A trip to this zone requires a very long day with multiple ascents and descents to piece it together. Proper planning and safety equipment is essential in this remote zone.
Routes
- Oscura Lake Approach
- 606
- Lobo 440
- Megumi’s Memorial Run
- Rogue Waves
Penitente
Routes
4
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
N
From Lake Peak there are a smattering of runs that are worth the hike. Puerto Nambe is the saddle where the Winsor FS Trail #254 meets up with the Skyline FS Trail #251. A long but worthy ski tour is going from Santa Fe to the Truchas via the Skyline Trail, and heading south to north gives rise to better conditions along the way in downhill mode; you can also reverse the line.
Routes
- Penitente Approach
- Penitente Chute
- Penitente Couloir
- East Wing
Red Rocks
Routes
7
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
S,W
Red Rocks and Hidden Bowl are obvious from the Lake Fork side of the canyon. This area is busy, as the approach is relatively easy and the sidecountry payoff is high. Observe backcountry skiing ethics and best practices.
Routes
- Red Rocks Approach
- Crow's Nest
- Hidden Bowl
- Hidden Chute
- Hidden Trees
- Red Rocks
- Shadow Line
Rio Quemado Drainage
Routes
4
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
W,SW,S
The Truchas mountains are seldom visited in the winter. Approaches are generally long, the terrain is steep on all aspects, and just getting there is long and sometimes arduous. Overnight camping is not mandatory, but is highly recommended (and it’s better than an unplanned night out). There’s no avalanche forecast and no cell coverage for this region of NM. Technical insertions exist; be prepared. This is truly a backcountry wilderness experience. What you’re gaining in seclusion is what you’re giving up in security and comforts often found in other areas.
Routes
- Rio Quemado Drainage Approach
- The Gates (AKA Alley)
- Easy Street
- Mail Slot Couloir
Santa Fe Baldy
Routes
8
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
N,S
Santa Fe Baldy is the predominant objective outside of Nambe Cirque. There is something for everyone in this zone and it’s a wonderful place to tour. Since this is a wilderness area, there will be no motorized vehicles, and the backcountry experience here in the winter is sublime.
Routes
- SF Baldy Approach
- Saddlesore
- King Pin
- Ring Them Bells
- Camelot
- Cruz Azul
- Cruz Roja
- Clodhoppers
Sin Nombre (Peak 12,819’)
Routes
11
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
NW,NE
Sin Nombre is not a formal name on an official map. Spanish for “without a name,” it’s what the locals call Peak 12,819’. It is the most obvious peak at the end of the cirque, with the broad face that beckons riders. A cautionary note about the ever-changing snowpack in the backcountry cannot be overstated.
Routes
- West Simpson Saddle Approach
- Ray of Light Couloir
- Crowl's Couloir
- Schiznitz
- Benchmark
- North Face
- Tenesmus
- Northwest Flank
- Sin Nombre Trees
- Point it Chutes
- Kerry’s Couloir (AKA West Virginia)
South W (SE Cirque of Lake Fork Peak)
Routes
5
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
S,N
The runout of Icy Spider is the beginning of the avalanche hazards in the area. There are multiple avalanche paths, some crossing, and with varying degrees of layering within the snowpack. Careful analysis, terrain selection, and route planning are imperative. There are varying degrees of cell phone coverage in the area; plan on other emergency communication methods beyond the lower bench if you run into trouble.
Routes
- SE Cirque Approach
- Ohio Couloir
- Quien Sabe
- Palladium
- High Exposure
Taos Ski Valley (TSV) North
Routes
5
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
S
North of Highway 150, extending up through the BOTW trail to Long Canyon, you’ll find a few lines that are quick to hit but require good route-finding skills and skiing ability. Dead and downed tree hazard, and at times, an unsupported snowpack can be challenging. Tips up!
Routes
- Avalanche Ridge Approach
- Snowshoe Approach
- Triple Trees
- Hallway
- Snowshoe Couloir
The Fingers
Routes
6
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
W
The Fingers are the highly coveted slackcountry chutes that grace the west face of the Lake Fork drainage, clearly visible from the Taos Ski Area. The runs listed are on USFS lands, not on Taos Land and Cattle (formerly O.E. Pattison Trust). It is prohibited to travel on their land without permission. Two snowboarders almost killed a resident in an avalanche they triggered, so trespassing is taken seriously.
Routes
- The Fingers Approach
- Peace Sign
- South Peace Sign
- Middle Finger
- Ring Finger
- Pinky
Trampas Lakes + Jicarilla Peak
Routes
8
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
N,NW
The Truchas mountains are seldom visited in the winter. Approaches are generally long, the terrain is steep on all aspects, and just getting there is long and sometimes arduous. Overnight camping is not mandatory, but is highly recommended (and it’s better than an unplanned night out). There’s no avalanche forecast and no cell coverage for this region of NM. Technical insertions exist; be prepared. This is truly a backcountry wilderness experience. What you’re gaining in seclusion is what you’re giving up in security and comforts often found in other areas.
Routes
- Trampas Lakes Approach
- Climb n' Ski
- Line 31
- Trampadora
- Hide n' Seek
- Sheepshead
- Northwest Face 1
- Northwest Face 2
West Fork of Santa Barbara
Routes
4
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
NW,N,NE,E
The Truchas mountains are seldom visited in the winter. Approaches are generally long, the terrain is steep on all aspects, and just getting there is long and sometimes arduous. Overnight camping is not mandatory, but is highly recommended (and it’s better than an unplanned night out). There’s no avalanche forecast and no cell coverage for this region of NM. Technical insertions exist; be prepared. This is truly a backcountry wilderness experience. What you’re gaining in seclusion is what you’re giving up in security and comforts often found in other areas.
Routes
- WF Santa Barbara Approach
- No Fish
- Go Fish
- Big Kahuna
Wheeler Peak East Fork Bowl
Routes
6
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
NE,SE
Loftier in elevation, the East Fork Bowl of the Wheeler Massif is home to some very good low-angle terrain, making it a good objective for the tour-oriented. The elevation helps retain lighter-density snow, but precarious crusts can develop during extended periods without snowfall. Multiple lines exist; the summit descents are noted here. Note: Do not ski off the south side towards Blue Lake. This is a sensitive cultural area and access is extremely limited.
Routes
- East Fork Bowl Approach
- Emergence
- Young Mike
- Old Mike Chute
- Simpson Northeast Face
- Drifters
Wheeler Peak West Face
Routes
7
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
W
Although Wheeler can sometimes be skied from the summit, more often, the west winds that torture the alpine above 12,000’ have either denuded the slope and sent the snow off to Oklahoma or created a wicked crust fit for boot crampons. If it’s “in,” go ski it!
Routes
- Wheeler Direct
- The Mai
- Puffy Trees
- Wheeler Northwest Face
- Catcher's Mitt
- Curveball
- Slider
Wildy Bowl
Routes
21
ATES Level
4
General Aspect
N,S
Wilderness Bowl, AKA Wildy Bowl, is located on the south side of Kachina Peak and cannot be accessed by lift. Taos Ski Valley doesn’t allow jumping the rope (during the ski season), but rules change from year to year, so check before heading out. Wildy Bowl remains a sidecountry favorite because of its challenging objectives.
Routes
- Teddy's Chute
- What's Mine Couloir
- What's Yours Couloir
- Coyote Couloir
- Wolf's Den
- Rotten Spine
- Bobcat Bite
- Pup's Den 1
- Pup's Den 2
- Pup's Den 3
- K9
- Althea's Couloir
- Easter Couloir
- Pilar's Plunge
- Enter the Dragon
- Eastern Philosophy
- Wildy 2
- Wildy 2.5
- Big Al's
- 006
- 007
