New Mexico equestrian
- joannazattiero
- Nov 8
- 7 min read
Jack’s Creek Equestrian Camp and Trailhead
One of my favorite places to ride in New Mexico is the Pecos Wilderness, within the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in northern New Mexico. The Sangre de Cristos span the border between New Mexico and Colorado and make up the southern terminus of the greater Rocky Mountain range. Whenever people from out of state ask where I would recommend that they ride in New Mexico, I think of the Pecos.
One of the best equestrian access points to the Pecos Wilderness that I’ve used is Jacks Creek trailhead in the Santa Fe National Forest, which is 21 miles north of the town of Pecos on Highway 63 and FR 555. Pecos itself is just a couple of miles north of Interstate 25, and Santa Fe is about 30 miles west on I25, making the Jacks Creek area feel both reasonably close to the amenities of “town” and yet also well off of the beaten path. Often referred to as “Jacks Creek Complex,” the area offers two distinct parking and camping areas – one for equestrians and another for day hikers and car- or tent-camping. These are clearly marked and on separate sides of Forest Road 555, so it is easy to see where to go with your truck and horse trailer.
Trailhead and Campground
When planning your drive to up to Jacks Creek, give yourself plenty of time to get from Pecos to the campgrounds. Even though it is only 21 miles, the road is narrow, winding, and steep in places. With a trailer, I’d plan on taking 45 minutes or more for that stretch. It is a gorgeous drive, mostly along the Pecos River, and you’ll want to keep an eye out for wildlife on and along the roadway.
Once you’ve entered the equestrian campground, you’ll see fifteen clearly marked parking spots around the large teardrop-shaped central area. (You can see a cool 360-degree interactive view of the sites here.) There are eight spots on the outside of the loop that are set up for overnight camping and most have a picnic table, grill, and access to 12’x12’ horse corrals, although a few of the corrals are in need of repairs and not currently safe to use. There is also room for your own portable corrals and/or highlines if you prefer to use them. The spots to the inside of the loop are more appropriate for day-use, as they are closely spaced and don’t have nearby access to corrals or tables. There are several vault toilets in the central area as well as a few spots to park smaller vehicles, and all parking spaces are leveled. There is plenty of room to get large rigs in, including large RVs with horse trailers. There are no RV hookups or dump areas, though. Water spigots are available in several locations, although the Forest Service website notes that a new water system was scheduled for installation in 2025. I didn’t use the spigots on my last visit in October, so it is probably best to call the Pecos Ranger Station to ask if the new system is up and working before you go.
Trail Access
Riders have access to two different trails leading out of camp – Hamilton Mesa trail (TR 249) and Beatty’s trail (TR 25). Beatty’s trail leaves from the southeast end of camp, skirting the green cattle pens that are reserved for the Rociada Grazing Association, and leading up a somewhat steep and rocky hillside east of camp. After about two miles it meets the Jacks Creek trail (TR 257) on a mesa top with wonderful views of the mountains, canyons, and mesas spreading out around you. Beatty’s continues heading northeast, skirting the east side of Round Mountain and eventually dropping down to the Pecos River at Beatty Flats where it intersects with several other trails.
Jacks Creek trail heads northwest from the junction with Beatty’s, skirting the west side of Round Mountain, crossing Jacks Creek after about two miles, and then climbing up to gorgeous Pecos Baldy Lake after another two miles or so. Pecos Baldy Lake is a lovely place to take a break, eat your lunch, and soak in all of the gorgeous views from just below East Pecos Baldy mountain, which rises to 12,540’ above you. If you’re looking for further adventure, you can take the Skyline trail (TR 251) northeast from the lake and climb another two miles or so to Trailrider’s Wall, which sits at 12,000’ and divides the Pecos and Santa Fe watersheds. This dramatic ridgeline is definitely worth the trip if you’ve got the time, the weather is good, and you and your horse are fit for the workout!
The other trail leading out of camp is Hamilton Mesa trail (TR 249) which leaves the campground on the southern edge and heads south and then east to meet the Pecos River. The trail crosses eventually crosses the Pecos after a little over two miles, climbs up above the south side of the river, and intersects with several other trails after another two miles, near the Iron Gate trailhead. This is another nice out-and-back ride offering great views and varied terrain.
General Planning
When planning a trip to Jacks Creek, keep in mind that the trailhead and campground are at about 8,000’ in elevation and that the weather can change quickly in the mountains. Even in the heat of summer, nights can be chilly and storms can roll in without much warning. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on weather reports before you go and, if you have cell service, while you’re out. You may also want to call the Santa Fe National Forest’s Pecos Ranger Station to check on trail conditions ahead of your visit, as they can let you know about trail closures due to snow, downed trees, bridge washouts, etc. For example, the last time I was there (in October 2025) I intended to ride up to Pecos Baldy Lake, but the trail was blocked by numerous downed trees less than a mile from the lake itself. We found our way over and around many trees earlier on the trail, but the last ¾ mile or so was simply impassable and we would have known that beforehand if we’d called ahead.
As always when riding in the mountains or on a full day’s trip, it is a good idea to take water and some snacks with you, as well as a jacket. You may also want to take a small kit with basic emergency supplies just in case a horse or rider needs triage. I like to keep a hoof pick, a roll of vet wrap, some alcohol wipes, and a few non-stick sterile wound pads in my saddle bags along with snacks, water, a Leatherman multitool, a pair of gloves (if I’m not wearing them already), a windbreaker/rain jacket, and high SPF sunscreen/lip balm. I live and ride at high elevation, so the higher the SPF in my sunscreen and lip balm, the better! Other items you may consider taking with you include an extra hoof boot (if you use them), a halter and rope if you prefer to lead or let your horse graze with one, a few packets of triple-antibiotic ointment, a map if you prefer the traditional version to phone-based apps, and a satellite-based GPS unit. If you use a phone app like All Trails or Gaia for your maps, be sure to take some screenshots of the areas you’ll be in before you leave home, as you may find that you have no cell service at camp and/or out on the trails.
Here are some of my top TL;DR insights:
Jacks Creek campgrounds and trailhead are open May through November, weather permitting. Snow is unlikely June through August, but possible year-round. Monsoon season runs from July to September, which can mean heavy rain, high winds, thunderstorms, and lightning.
Jacks Creek Complex is in the Santa Fe National Forest and trails out of the campground lead directly into the Pecos Wilderness. This means no motorized vehicles of any kind are permitted on the trails, including mountain bikes. ATVs are not allowed in the campground areas, either.
Day use fee is $2 per vehicle per day. Overnight fee is $10 per vehicle per night. No reservations are taken, so sites are first-come, first-served.
The campground and trailhead are at 8,000’ elevation and most trails go up from there, some to 11,000’ or more. Trails can be rocky, steep, and technical in places. Be sure you and your horses are ready for this kind of terrain before you go and be aware that those from lower elevations may need time to acclimate.
I suggest your horses have shoes or well-fitting boots for this area. You don’t want to find out that they need them when you’re several rocky miles away from camp and don’t have hoof protection.
Take water to camp for both people and horses, just in case the new water system isn’t functioning.
Take bug spray and sunscreen. You will use it.
The trail system out of Jacks Creek is well marked but be sure you have some sort of map of the area in case you get turned around or decide to change plans mid-ride.
A few resources:
Jacks Creek Horse Camp, U.S Forest Service:
360-degree Interactive View and Info on the Campground & Trailhead:
Pecos Ranger Station Contact Info:
More Photos:
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