Geography
The majority of the Sierra Blanca range is within the Lincoln National Forest, and part of this is protected as the White Mountain Wilderness Area. However, much of the southern half of the range, including the summit of Sierra Blanca Peak, is part of the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation; it is sacred to the Mescalero Apache Tribe, and requires a permit for access. To the south, across the valley of the Rio Tularosa, lie the Sacramento Mountains. To the north is Carrizo Mountain, and to the northeast lie the Capitan Mountains. On the west side, the range rises high above the Tularosa Basin.
The range serves as the headwaters for the Rio Ruidoso, Rio Tularosa, and Rio Bonito, as well as numerous arroyos draining into the Tularosa Basin, including Nogal Arroyo at the north end of the range.
The peak can be seen for many miles, particularly within the Tularosa Basin, and is visible from as far away as Sandia Crest near Albuquerque and is the highest point in southern New Mexico, and is one of the southernmost points at which alpine ecosystems occur in the United States. Rising over 8,000 feet (2,400 m) above the adjacent Tularosa Basin, it has the highest prominence in the state.
The eastern foothills of the Sierra Blanca range include the town of Ruidoso, and the area has a number of popular hiking and camping destinations. Sierra Blanca Peak is the towering backdrop and snow-maker for Ski Apache the southernmost major ski resort in North America. The peak of Sierra Blanca is located on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation. Ski Apache, on the other hand - is located mostly on land within the Lincoln National Forest and is operated by the Mescalero Apache Tribe's Inn of the Mountain Gods.
Read more about this topic: Sierra Blanca (New Mexico)
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