Mount Taylor - Grants, New Mexico - Historic Mountains with Wealth of Wildlife

The Mt. Taylor Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest covers two mountain ranges, Mt. Taylor and the Zuni Mountains. It includes some 520,000 acres of National Forest land, rising from 6,500 to 11,301 feet above sea level. The district is home to native beaver, deer, elk, and the Southwest Willow Flycatcher, a small passerine bird that has been on the federal Endangered Species list since 1995.

The peak known as Mt. Taylor and its surroundings are of religious and cultural importance to a number of Native American communities. Numerous historic sawmills, logging community sites, and logging railroad beds are located here, too.

Several recreation areas have been developed in the district, including the Lobo Canyon and Ojo Redondo campgrounds and the Bluewater parking area, which are open to the public free of charge. Facilities at Quaking Aspen, McGaffey, and Coal Mine campgrounds require payment of fees.

The District Ranger's office for Mt. Taylor is located at 1800 Lobo Canyon Road, Grants, New Mexico 87020. The Visitors Center can be reached via Interstate 40's Exit 85 at 1900 East Santa Fe Avenue. The 13,000-square-foot facility has exhibits, a trip planning area, a bookstore, an information desk, and a 60-seat auditorium with audio-visual programs.