Iron Gate Trailhead

Facility · New Mexico ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Santa Fe National Forest (NF) · Open Access

9,366 ft
Elevation

Update April 25, 2016: Potable water is unavailable at this and all other campgrounds on the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District.  The public is asked to bring water with them when camping and recreating on the forest.  Thank you for your cooperation.

Situated above 9,000 feet, Iron Gate Trailhead provides the closest access to panoramic views of the Pecos Wilderness. Uses: hiking, backpacking, horseback Riding. Facilities: vaulted toiled, trash bins, and information board. Parking for vehicles and trailers. Special Instructions: Users are encouraged to recycle and pack out trash. Please visit the Leave No Trace website for more information about frontcountry and backcountry outdoor ethics at www.lnt.org.

The facts

  • Season: May – November, weather permitting — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026

Recreation.gov's own page

Getting there

23 miles north of Pecos on NM 63 and Forest Road 223.  FR 223 is a rough dirt road and may not be suitable for low clearance passenger vehicles.

35.83997, -105.62060 · 35°50'23.9"N 105°37'14.2"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in2.62.53.43.02.12.15.34.92.92.72.62.9

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 6.1 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Iron Gate Trailhead

Can you reserve a site at Iron Gate Trailhead?
No. Iron Gate Trailhead is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Also listed by

Iron Gate Trailhead also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Iron Gate Trailhead's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

  • $4.00 per night per vehicle

Restrictions:

  • No ATVs allowed. 3 car per site limit. Quiet hours from 10pm to 7am.

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Iron Gate Trailhead

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.