Winsor Ridge Trailhead

Star0
2 reviews
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Winsor Ridge Trailhead
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

None. No fees are mentioned.
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About this campground

Gateway to adventure in the heart of the Santa Fe National Forest, Winsor Ridge Trailhead beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its pristine mountain access and well-appointed facilities. This popular jumping-off point for hikers, backpackers, and equestrians offers everything you need for a successful wilderness expedition, including a clean vaulted toilet, convenient trash disposal, and an informative trailhead kiosk that helps orient visitors to the surrounding landscape. The spacious parking area accommodates both passenger vehicles and horse trailers, making it easy to embark on your journey along the scenic Winsor Ridge Trail #271 or venture toward the peaceful Panchuela Campground and Trailhead. Whether you're planning a day hike through alpine meadows or a multi-day backpacking adventure into the wilderness, this trailhead serves as your perfect basecamp for exploring the magnificent high country.
Winsor Ridge Trailhead is primarily a trailhead and not a formal campground. It supports activities like camping in nearby wilderness areas following specific restrictions.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of New Mexico's high country at Winsor Ridge. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, bringing crystalline air and freezing temperatures that create a wonderland for snowshoers and winter adventurers. As spring awakens the mountains, watch wildflowers emerge under increasingly warm, clear skies punctuated by refreshing rain showers that green the hillsides. Summer delivers ideal hiking conditions with comfortable temperatures and brilliant sunshine, though wise visitors pack rain gear for the occasional afternoon thunderstorm. When autumn arrives, the mountains put on a spectacular show as aspens turn golden against crisp blue skies, with cooler temperatures and occasional moisture creating perfect conditions for those seeking solitude on less-crowded trails.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Santa Fe National Forest, where Winsor Ridge Trailhead opens doors to some of New Mexico's most spectacular mountain wilderness. From this strategic launching point, adventurers gain access to the rugged peaks and pristine valleys of the nearby Pecos Wilderness, a landscape of towering ponderosa pines, shimmering aspen groves, and crystal-clear mountain streams. The surrounding mountainous terrain offers endless opportunities for exploration, from gentle ridgeline walks with panoramic views to challenging ascents that reward hikers with vistas stretching across the high country. This is where the spirit of the Southwest meets alpine grandeur, creating an unforgettable backdrop for outdoor adventures.
Geological RegionNestled within the majestic Santa Fe National Forest, Winsor Ridge sits at the edge of geological wonder where ancient mountain-building forces have sculpted a landscape of dramatic peaks and valleys. This mountainous terrain, shaped over millions of years, provides a stunning gateway to the federally designated Pecos Wilderness—a pristine expanse where weathered granite faces rise above dense coniferous forests and alpine meadows flourish in protected valleys. The unique geology of this region creates diverse ecosystems and microclimates that support an incredible variety of plant and animal life, making every trail adventure a journey through both natural history and spectacular scenery.

Campsite details

AccessibilityInformation on specific accessibility features is not provided.
Sites SizeInformation on the sizes of campsites is not provided.
Sites PrivacyInformation on privacy levels of campsites is not provided.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
Camping for more than 14 consecutive days in one place is not allowed.
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
Group camping details are not provided.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutnull
Open and Closed Seasonnull
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation Policynull

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Winsor Ridge Trailhead is a hub for a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding. The trailhead connects to Winsor Ridge Trail #271 and Panchuela Campground and Trailhead.
Hiking
Hiking options include the Winsor Ridge Trail #271 and trails leading to Panchuela Campground. One user described the experience as 'steep for the first 0.75 miles, then it gets flat.'
Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned at this site.
Water Sports
There is no mention of non-motorized water sports.

Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed
  • Campfires prohibited in certain areas (Beatty’s Flats, Pecos Falls, close proximity to water or trails). Dead and down wood can be used for campfires where permitted.
  • Quiet hours are null

Hazards

General hazardsMechanized equipment and shortcuts for trails are prohibited. Proximity to wilderness areas might include wildlife considerations.
Active alertsnull

Weather forecast

71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%

Strong wind, exercise caution

Humidity: 41%

Comfortable humidity levels

Wind: 10.1 mph

Strong wind, exercise caution

Overcast
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Temperature Trends

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Weather Summaries

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Emergency Services

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Good to know

Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingThe site provides trash bins, and users are encouraged to recycle and pack out their trash, following Leave No Trace principles.
Proximity to water featuresCamping is not allowed within 200 feet of lakes and 50 feet of streams, rivers, or trails.
Common complaintsnull
Hostnull

Campground Map

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Driving directionsLocated 20 miles north of Pecos on NM 63, the Winsor Ridge Trailhead is the access point for Winsor Ridge Trail #271 and the trail to Panchuela Campground and Trailhead. Facilities include a vaulted toilet, trash bins, trailhead kiosk, parking for passenger vehicles & trailers.
Roads to Winsor Ridge Trailhead are passable for passenger vehicles and trailers. No mention of seasonal closures or challenging terrain.
Nearby places
Pecos (20 miles north). No travel times or other cities mentioned.
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews

0.0
2 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Winsor Ridge Trailhead has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the site's beautiful scenery and utility for activities like hiking. One user noted the trail's initial steepness, while another appreciated the presence of cell service in certain areas.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the 'beautiful scenery,' the trail connections, and the available cell phone service in parts of the area.
Based on 2 reviews

Common Concerns

No significant complaints were explicitly mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 2 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles, as emphasized in the site guidelines. Be prepared for steep initial inclines on trails.
Based on 2 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal trends were not discussed in user reviews.
Based on 2 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful scenery and cabins' - Karol Walker. 2. 'Steep for the first 0.75 mi then it gets flat. There's cell service once you cross into the Pecos Wilderness.' - James Wernicke.
Based on 2 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

There are no site-specific reviews highlighting particular campsites.
Based on 2 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no user reviews specifically addressing accessibility features.
Based on 2 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are permitted but must be leashed in the developed area or under voice control on trails. No reviews specifically addressed pet-related experiences.
Based on 2 reviews

Last updated August 10, 2025

Campgrounds
Winsor Ridge Trailhead