Taos area backpacking for Camp Fire kids?

I don't have maps but I can tell you where to get some. Check out Hillmap.com. They have "layered' maps. You can pick a spot and switch between topo maps of various kinds and satellite images.

It takes a bit of fiddling but you can print sections of the map. You can also create PDF files of maps. If you can find a place with a bigger printer you might be able to pay to have your maps printed on larger sheets of paper. I created a big map of the Teton Wilderness by printing out sheets of paper and taping them together. It took an evening of carefully printing sections, trimming and taping but it was free and instantly available.

Taos Mountain Outfitters
Address: 114 South Plaza, Taos NM
Phone: (575) 758-9292
Email: info@taosmountainoutfitters.com

They may be able to give you some good advice.

On a side note, while I might hit the trail myself, I'm not sure I would want to bring a bunch of kids any where near us right now. Not sure about conditions on the Taos area, but as bad as it is in the Pecos, and here in Colorado, bringing kids in would concern me. Of course I've been chased out of two,areas by fires and just dealt with a bad one just a few miles from my house, so I am a little paranoid!

BJ, Thanks for your concern. The staff member at the Carson NF office in Taos that I spoke to today did not think there was any reason not to go hiking in the Carson except for the far southern portion, ie Pecos Wilderness. She said they are at Stage 1 fire restrictions elsewhere, that is, no wood fires outside established campground fire rings. But we are used to that. But we will certainly keep an eye on it.

Thanks!

Mina

Glad to hear that the FS is feeling ok about it. I may have to head that way myself, it's a beautiful area. On the other hand, I'm thinking about heading to Vermont to see family and spend my hiking time on the Long Trail. Bugs but no fire!

In regards to the Latir Peaks wilderness, good water, some good campsites (though a group your size, hope you share some tents), and the entire wilderness was relatively smaller than the Pecos, so most of us just had a printable trailmap from the group leader's NATGEO or TOPO program without elevation. There were a couple large scale topos the leader had with elevation I think you can get from REI Albuquerque or Santa Fe. We were able to go cross-country quite a bit with just the trail maps and knowing generally where the trail was while peak bagging. Cairns all over the place, especially sticking out on Latir Mesa. Other than that, watch your footing. We had a rest day in Taos and then hit Wheeler Pk on the new trail going from WIlliams Lake. That new trail might be a reason to pick up a new map. The map I told you about should also have Columbine/Hondo Pass WSA if your group wants to do some more peak-bagging (looks like you have 1 more day than my itinerary).

The main drag through Taos is pretty packed with cars so you may want to use the bypass whenever possible.

Thanks to all for your suggestions. I think we have a good trip plan now. And a post to my neighborhood listserv indirectly turned up the maps I need.

Headed for the trail…

Mina