Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Lincoln National Forest, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Lincoln National Forest
  2. Important essentials for Lincoln National Forest
  3. Activities for Lincoln National Forest
  4. Lincoln National Forest in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Lincoln National Forest in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Lincoln National Forest in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Lincoln National Forest in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Lincoln National Forest in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Lincoln National Forest in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Lincoln National Forest in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Lincoln National Forest in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Lincoln National Forest in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Lincoln National Forest in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Lincoln National Forest in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Lincoln National Forest in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico, United States of America, the best time to go is June. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Lincoln National Forest, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico, United States of America by month

January

If you are traveling to Lincoln National Forest in January, you will notice that it is brisk. Expect it to rain or snow occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Lincoln National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the right kind. The majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you plan to visit Sitting Bull Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

February

February in Lincoln National Forest can be brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Lincoln National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the correct kind. Many adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you plan to visit Sitting Bull Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

March

If you go to Lincoln National Forest in March, you will notice that it is cold. Expect it to rain or snow sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Lincoln National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the correct type. Many adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

If you plan to visit Sitting Bull Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

April

If you visit Lincoln National Forest during April, you are likely to notice that it can be chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Lincoln National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you plan to visit Sitting Bull Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

May

If you vacation in Lincoln National Forest during May, you might find that it is cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Lincoln National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the correct type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you plan to visit Sitting Bull Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

June

June in Lincoln National Forest is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Lincoln National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

If you plan to visit Sitting Bull Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

July

July in Lincoln National Forest is mild. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Lincoln National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the correct kind. A lot of adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

If you plan to visit Sitting Bull Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

August

If you go to Lincoln National Forest in August, you will notice that it is balmy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Lincoln National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the necessary type. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you plan to visit Sitting Bull Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

September

September in Lincoln National Forest is balmy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Lincoln National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the correct type. Many adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

If you plan to visit Sitting Bull Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

October

If you vacation in Lincoln National Forest during October, you might find that it is crisp. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain or snow/sleet sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Lincoln National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the necessary kind. Many adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you plan to visit Sitting Bull Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

November

November in Lincoln National Forest is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Lincoln National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the right kind. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you plan to visit Sitting Bull Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

December

December in this region is brisk. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Lincoln National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

If you plan to visit Sitting Bull Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

What to do in Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico, United States of America

Lincoln National Forest, situated in south-central New Mexico, is a breathtaking natural paradise that attracts countless visitors every year. Stretching over 1,100 square miles, the forest is home to a diverse array of landscapes, including mountain ranges, grasslands, and canyons. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Lincoln National Forest that you should not miss.

1. White Sands National Monument: Located in the northern part of the forest, this iconic desert landscape is known for its miles of stunning gypsum dunes. The White Sands National Monument offers visitors a chance to hike, sled down the dunes, or simply soak in the beauty of the rolling white sand hills.

2. Sitting Bull Falls: Nestled in the southeastern region of the forest, Sitting Bull Falls is an amazing 150-foot waterfall that cascades into a crystal clear pool. The falls can be reached through a short hike, and visitors can picnic or swim in the cool water.

3. Sacramento Mountains: The Sacramento Mountains offer some of the most breathtaking vistas in the forest, with peaks rising up to 9,000 feet above sea level. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking trails, and camping options, including the popular Cloudcroft campgrounds.

4. Lincoln Historic Site: Located in the central part of the forest, the Lincoln Historic Site is a preserved 19th-century town that played a key role in the Lincoln County War. Visitors can tour the courthouse and jail where Billy the Kid once famously escaped incarceration.

5. Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Located just south of the Lincoln National Forest, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to the highest peak in Texas and offers world-renowned hiking opportunities. The park boasts over 80 miles of trails and is home to several unique animal and plant species.

6. Three Rivers Petroglyph Site: Situated in the northern part of the forest, this protected site features more than 21,000 petroglyphs that are over 1,000 years old. Visitors can hike the trails to observe the rock carvings of prehistoric cultures.

7. Ruidoso: Adjacent to the forest, the charming mountain town of Ruidoso offers a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Visitors can enjoy horse racing, skiing, golfing, and year-round events, including the exciting Ruidoso Downs Racetrack.

Whether you are looking for outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, or simply a relaxing getaway, Lincoln National Forest has something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, picnicking, wildlife watching, and stargazing in this lovely natural paradise. Plan your trip today and discover the magic of Lincoln National Forest!

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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