The Lincoln National Forest, birthplace of Smokey Bear, the living symbol of fire prevention, is located in south-central New Mexico. The Forest covers over 1.1 million acres, stretching north from Texas past the Capitan Mountains. The Lincoln National Forest was first set aside as a forest reserve in 1902 to protect and conserve recreation opportunities and water.

Extending down the lower one-third of New Mexico, the Lincoln National Forest provides a diversity of landscapes, landforms, and an assortment of plant and animal habitats. Travelers will find spectacular views of sunsets across the desert as well as breathtaking views of the Tularosa Basin and White Sands National Monument from the Sunspot Scenic Byway. Higher elevations offer mountain meadows, mixtures of pine, fir, aspen, oak, and other vibrant greens which are broken by the brilliance of wildflowers, blossoming plants, and trees that change with the season. Two Wilderness Areas exist on the Forest, ranging in elevations from 4,000 to 11,500 feet and encompassing five different life zones from Chihuahuan Desert to sub-alpine forest.

• Guadalupe Ranger District -
• Sacramento Ranger District -
• Smokey Bear Ranger District -

• Visit Smokey Bear State Park: in the village of Capitan lies the birth and burial place of Smokey the Bear.
• Visit White Oaks: near Carrizozo lies the remnants of this thriving gold rush town.