Mogollon Mountains
Mountains Mountain range in New Mexico with volcanic origins
The Mogollon Mountains rise in western New Mexico within Gila National Forest; visitors hike forested trails, camp, hunt and explore hot springs and historic mining towns.
The Mogollon Mountains are a mountain range in southwestern New Mexico, largely within the Gila National Forest. The range’s highest point is Whitewater Baldy at 10,895 ft (3,322 m).
The area offers rugged forested ridges, alpine meadows, and backcountry hiking with multi-day routes to summits such as Whitewater Baldy. Wildlife viewing and dispersed camping are common attractions for people seeking remote mountain terrain.
The mountains are part of a broader volcanic and tectonic landscape in southwestern New Mexico and are associated with the regional Mogollon-Datil volcanic field. Human use has included grazing, mining at different periods, and forest management under the U.S. Forest Service.
The range sits in southwestern New Mexico within the boundaries of the Gila National Forest. It occupies a remote, high-elevation area of the state and is accessed from forest roads and trailheads rather than major highways.
- Access and management: A large portion of the range lies inside the Gila National Forest, so access and overnight camping follow national forest rules.
- Recent wildfire impact: The 2012 Whitewater-Baldy Complex fire burned roughly 300,000 acres in the range and altered many trails and forests.
What to See #
- Whitewater Baldy: The range's highest summit is Whitewater Baldy at 10,895 ft (3,322 m), located within the Gila National Forest and reached by multi-day hiking routes.
Tips for Visiting Mogollon Mountains #
- Start hikes and drives early in the morning to avoid frequent afternoon thunderstorms during New Mexico's monsoon season (roughly July-September) and to enjoy cooler temperatures and better visibility.
- Check conditions with the nearest forest ranger or land-management office before you go-many access routes are on unpaved forest roads and can be closed by snow in winter or by washouts after storms.
- Plan for limited or no cell service in large parts of the range: leave your route and expected return with someone, carry offline maps or a GPS device, and be self-sufficient for route-finding and emergency navigation.
Best Time to Visit Mogollon Mountains #
For hiking and scenic access, aim for late spring to early summer (May-June) to avoid monsoon storms and winter snow.
Weather & Climate near Mogollon Mountains #
Mogollon Mountains's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 26°C. Moderate rainfall (537 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 7°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -6°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of -4°C. The driest month with just 13 mm.
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May
May is cold with highs of 19°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall.
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July
July is cool with highs of 26°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (103 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of 8°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
