Many parts of the forest, including campgrounds, are accessible by good paved highways: New Mexico 4 between San Ysidro and Los Alamos passes through the Jemez Mountains, with Redondo campground and others along the way. New Mexico 96 between Abiquiu and Gallina offers access to the northwest side. New Mexico 475 Santa Fe Ski Basin road passes Little Tesuque and Big Tesuque campgrounds en route to the ski area, with the trailhead for the popular Winsor Trail. New Mexico 63 runs from Interstate 25 to Cowles, in the heart of the eastern part of the forest, with several campgrounds and ready access to the Pecos Wilderness.
Forest roads crisscross most of the forest, except for the Pecos Wilderness north of Cowles and the San Pedro Parks Wilderness on the extreme northwest side. High-clearance vehicles are useful for some of these roads. The two wilderness areas are accessible only on foot or by horseback; no motorized vehicles are allowed.
Santa Fe has limited commercial air service. The nearest major airport is in Albuquerque, 60 miles 100 km south of Santa Fe.
