White Mountain Wilderness Area

White Mountain Wilderness area was established in 1964 and now contains 48,266 acres of wilderness in central New Mexico. With elevations reaching 11,580 feet, up to six feet of snow blankets these mountains from the middle to latter part of November until as late as June, hence the name White Mountains. The Wilderness measures roughly 12.5 miles long and 4 to 12 miles wide, and includes many ridges branching off the main crest. Meadows and grassy oak savannas break the continuity of the forest, especially along the crest. You'll see terrestrial wildlife in abundance: mule deer, elk, black bears, wild turkeys, porcupines, badgers, bobcats, foxes, coyotes, skunks, squirrels, and many species of mice, voles and rats.