new mexico in late sept: best place(s) to backpack?

I'd recommend the Gila Wilderness, it's my cup of tea for most multi-day trips in New Mexico, granted I'm a little bias with it's close proximity. However, to make the best use of time and avoid the 4 hr. drive south from ABQ, I'd stick up north in the ABQ/Santa Fe area.

I think your best bet for late Sept. backpacking up north would be the Pecos Wilderness area, especially if you're trying to fit in a day or two at Chaco Canyon and other stops near the Santa Fe/Taos region. The upper reaches of the Pecos will likely have already received a dusting or two of early snow, and the leaves will be turning a bright yellow, and the nights will be frigid, days comfortable. Pecos Baldy lake is a beautiful destination and completely doable in late September, there are lots of options for day hikes and extended loops heading out of Jacks Creek Campground area . The Truchas Lakes are within a few miles and lie in the shadow of the 4 remote Truchas Peaks which are about as beautiful as they come in the Sangre De Cristo Mountains. In my opinion, the Truchas region is arguably the most beautiful, and very few people will be making their way up to that region come late September if that matters to you.

Also, consider the Wheeler Peak region.

My vote is always for Wheeler Peak. Skip Taos, except for the bridge. Try to do dinner in Santa Fe at Geronimo's or the Cantina at La Casa Sena.

So after talking with a few thru hikers I put some trail magic on, one from the Southwest, they said we should probably just stick with Northern New Mexico as no sense driving so far south when there is plenty of beauty in the north.

We've got 10-15 degree bags and both a double rainbow and a RAB Summit Mountain 4 season tent. What are thoughts on bringing the 4 season tent (in addition to the double rainbow)? Do people camp high on any of the mountains in the Sangra de Cristos or only in the cirques below mostly?

We also want to see some historical/cultural things while in New Mexico–based on my last trip there that was just a brief thing with a day hike or two, I visited Taos Pueblo, Bandolier, and Chaco Canyon. Is there anything else in the Northern half of the state that would take precedence over these? Bandolier was nice because there was a bit of a hike (small, but still something), Chaco canyon was incredible due to it's remoteness-but it is a minimum full day with lots of driving on both ends, if not more than one day by the time one hikes a while there and soaks it up, etc–I'm wondering if there is something else I could get into that isn't so time and location committing for a singular attraction.

As it stands we arrive on a Friday nite 9/17, saturday run some errands then head up to Chama area and camp with a family friend until Monday morning (I think) at Rio Del Los Pinos (creative name, huh?) doing some fishing there with them. Then we have until Sunday 9/26 3pm~ @ ABQ flying out at 6pm.

So, thoughts are doing maybe a 3-4 day trip, or multiple in-and-back over-nighters at various locations (like Wheeler Peak, Mt Baldy (I think?), Red River & Rio Grande Confluence, Bandolier?

Anyone have experience in cruces basin wilderness since that is very close? What would 2-3 days look like there?

Also, final question (and thank you for anyone patient enough to answer some of them!), is there a new mexico hiking forum? Washington state has Cascade Climbers/NWHikers.net.. Oregon has Portlandhikers.net.. etc

Cheers!

Matt

+1 on the recommendation of Pecos Wilderness/Truchas Peaks.
Drive to Jack's Creek campground. Take Jack's Creek Trail #257 to the lake. Beautiful spot to camp. Gorgeous scenery. Not too far a drive to Albuquerque. Definitely chilly at night at about 10,500.

Since you guys are on the subject mind if I chime in with my own question? What will the weather be like in those areas in November? I know what to expect up in Colorado. Is NM significantly different?