Lincoln National Forest
This 1,725-square-mile chunk of desert and forest land was dedicated as a park in 1902.
Plan Around Lincoln National Forest
A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.
Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Lincoln National Forest Details
Two hours and 40 minutes northwest of Carlsbad Cavern lies Lincoln National Forest, a 1,725-square-mile chunk of desert and forest land that was dedicated as a park in 1902. The forest's main claim to fame is that it is the birthplace of Smokey the Bear, the mascot of the Forest Service program to prevent forest fires. Elevations here vary from 4,000 to over 11,000 feet, and with over 100 hiking trails and nearly 70 biking trails in three ranger districts, there is something for everyone. To get to Lincoln National Forest from Carlsbad Cavern, take Highway 180/62 to Carlsbad. In Carlsbad, get on Highway 285. Take Highway 285 to Artesia, where you'll get on Highway 82 for 100 miles, before turning onto Highway 130, which leads directly into the forest.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
N/A
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Lincoln National Forest
Compare nearby parks around Lincoln National Forest when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Lincoln National Forest
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Lincoln National Forest while the map context is still fresh.
7.5 mi away
Yucca Canyon Trail
This moderate trail wanders three miles through Yucca Canyon and up a ridge to gain views of the Yucca Basin and Big Canyon.
7.6 mi away
Slaughter Canyon Cave
Located at the end of Highway 418, this is one of the park's many undeveloped caves, also called "wild caves."
7.6 mi away
Slaughter Canyon Cave Tour
This moderately difficult tour takes you deep inside one of the park's many undeveloped caves.
7.9 mi away
North Slaughter Canyon Trail
This trail winds along the bottom of Middle Slaughter Canyon before merging with North Slaughter Canyon.
9.7 mi away
Rattlesnake Canyon Trail
This moderate trail descends a side canyon into Rattlesnake Canyon.
