Bobcat Pass Explained

Bobcat Pass is a mountain pass located in Taos County, New Mexico on the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway.

Geography

At 9820feet in elevation, it is the highest mountain pass in New Mexico.^[1] It is located on NM 38 between Eagle Nest, New Mexico^[2] and Red River on the boundary of the Carson National Forest.^[3] The pass is the head of the Bobcat Creek, named for the frequency of the bobcat in the area.^[4]

Description

Wildlife in the area include elk, which may be seen about 6 in the evening.^[5] Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are available at the summit of the pass.^[6]

Events

Events include:^[7]

• Moonlight Ski Tours on the Saturday before the full moon
• Just Desserts Eat & Ski in late February - dessert stands are set up along a ski route
• Christmas Luminaria Tour

References

36.7028°N -105.3444°W

Notes and References

1. Book: Laurence Parent . Scenic Driving New Mexico, 3rd . 11 January 2011 . Globe Pequot . 978-0-7627-6762-5 . 10.
2. Book: Fodor's Travel Publications, Inc. Staff . Fodor's New Mexico . 2011 . Fodor's Travel Publications . 978-1-4000-0530-7 . 243.
3. Book: United States. Forest Service. Southwestern Region . Enchanted Circle and Valle Vidal Loop tours: Carson National Forest . 1990 . U.S. Dept. of Agriculture . 9.
4. Book: Robert Hixson Julyan . The Place Names of New Mexico . 1 January 1996 . UNM Press . 978-0-8263-1689-9 . 44.
5. Book: Sharon Niederman . Signs & Shrines: Spiritual Journeys Across New Mexico . 5 March 2012 . Countryman Press . 978-0-88150-908-3 . 233.
6. Book: Sharon Niederman . Signs & Shrines: Spiritual Journeys Across New Mexico . 5 March 2012 . Countryman Press . 978-0-88150-908-3 . 97.
7. Book: Lonely Planet Southwest USA . 15 September 2010 . Lonely Planet . 978-1-74220-378-2 . 345.