Apache Kid Wilderness

Narrow, steep canyons bisect the peaks of the southern San Mateo Mountains, where elevations exceed 10,000 feet. The vegetation is typical of the region, with pinion-juniper woodland at lower elevations, spruce, fir and aspen at the higher elevations, and ponderosa pine in between. Human visitors are few, but wildlife can be seen making its way across this rugged terrain — Coue's white-tailed deer and mule deer, elk, black bears, bobcats, cougars, antelope, javelina, coyotes, rabbits, squirrels, and quail. Hiking is easy if you manage to stay on the 68-mile trail system, as the pathways are not always maintained. The main trail, which leads to the Apache Kid's gravesite, follows about 13 miles of mountain crest, which translates into ample photo opportunities. Water is limited to less than a dozen semi-dependable springs, most of which dry up in summer. July and August rains keep small streams periodically filled. The area takes its name from the Apache Kid: angered by his relentless raids, local ranchers hunted him down and killed him on these grounds, and the vengeful posse blazed a tree to mark the site, the hacked remains of which you can see to this day.