The northern subunit of the 55 area—bounded by US 64 from Cimarron, Palo Flechado Pass, NM 522, and the Colorado state line. Elevations 7,000 to 12,584 feet. Large grassy parks, extensive ponderosa and aspen forests, and some of the highest mountains in the Southwest. Flat to moderately steep across most of its area, with the steepest terrain in the higher mountain reaches. The Valle Vidal—a roughly 100,000-acre unit of the Carson NF donated by Pennzoil in 1982—is in this area and is one of the most coveted elk hunting destinations in the state. This is a Special Management Zone where private entities own a significant portion of the land. Vermejo Park Ranch (Ted Turner) occupies a large block, and access is by landowner authorization only. Carson NF provides the primary public hunting ground. Valle Vidal access is seasonal—typically closed January through March and May through June for elk calving. I-25 from Springer/Raton, US 64 from Cimarron, and NM 522 provide paved access. Cimarron, Angel Fire, and Eagle Nest have fuel and supplies. Cell service works in towns, dies in the backcountry. Valle Vidal tags are extremely limited and competition for them is fierce—if you draw one, you've already won half the battle. Unit 55A contains the Valle Vidal — roughly 100,000 acres of Carson National Forest land donated by Pennzoil in 1982 that holds one of New Mexico's largest elk herds. Seasonal road closures are critical to know: the east side closes January 1 through March 31 to protect wintering elk habitat (Cimarron Campground, McCrystal Campground, and Shuree Ponds all close). The west side closes May 1 through June 30 to protect calving. During winter closure you can drive through on FR 1950 but cannot leave the road on the east side — and snow often makes FR 1950 impassable anyway, so don't count on through-access from November through March. The unit also contains Vermejo Park Ranch (Ted Turner) which is private and not accessible with a state tag. The public Valle Vidal hunting is excellent but access logistics require planning around the closure calendar.