Hiking The Bookan Forest

Located just five miles outside of Silver City, the Bookan Forest is a pinyon, juniper forest that is laced with hiking trails. Along the trails, you may encounter wildlife including javalinas and mountain lions. A popular hike is a section of the Continental Divide Trail, which runs about 20 miles through the Bookan Forest.

To reach the trailhead from Silver City, head north on SR15 for 14 miles. The trailhead is located on the west side of the road and is identified by a sign. Trailhead parking for approximately two vehicles is located on the west side of the highway. Additional parking is available 200 yards north at the junction of Hwy. 15 and Forest Road 154.

Overall, Bookan Forest is the 1st most popular hiking trail of all 39 hikes in New Mexico. Several of the better hiking trails are nearby Bookan Forest including Black Range Crest Trail, Granny Mountain, Sawmill Wagon Recreation Trail, Turkey Creek Trail, West Fork Trail and Fort Bayard Big Juniper Tree Trail.