The Sangre de Cristos west of Mora and near Guadalupita—5,800 feet on the eastern foothills to 13,000 feet on the highest peaks. Open PJ foothills transition through ponderosa parkland into dense spruce-fir and aspen forests at high elevations, with alpine meadows, wildflower basins, and rocky peaks above timberline. Large grassy parks scattered throughout the timber create excellent elk habitat—the kind of parks where you can glass from one edge and watch elk feeding on the other at sunset. Roughly 70 percent of the unit is evergreen forest. Most high country is Carson NF with some Santa Fe NF. Private ranches, land grants, and state trust occupy the lower elevations and valley bottoms. NM 94, NM 434 through Guadalupita Canyon, and forest roads provide access; many forest roads are rough and seasonal. Mora has fuel and basic supplies; Las Vegas, NM has full services about 30 miles south. Cell service works in the valleys and dies in the timber. This is physicaly demanding mountain country—steep grades, high elevation, thick forest. The unit produces quality elk, and the combination of parks and dense timber rewards hunters who can cover ground on foot and don't mind freezing mornings and potential snow from early October on. Northeast of Santa Fe including large portions of the Santa Fe and Carson National Forests and the Pecos Wilderness. Known to be a physical hunt — elevations range from 5,795 to 13,000 feet. Lower elevations have oak brush, PJ, and ponderosa; higher up it transitions to aspen, Engelmann spruce, and blue spruce. Good numbers of mule deer, elk, and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. The Pecos Wilderness portion requires pack-in hunting. Multiple trailhead access points from NM 63 and the Mora/Guadalupita side.