Skip to main content
FacilityCampgroundRecreation.gov

Aldo Leopold House

Tres Piedras, New Mexico · Taos County · Campground

Overview On February 2, 1912, Aldo Leopold (1887–1948) wrote to his fiancée, Estella Bergère, in Santa Fe that the Forest Service had appropriated $650 to build a new supervisor’s quarters he had designed at Tres Piedras, New Mexico, northwest of Taos. At the time, Leopold was about to become the new Forest Supervisor …

Advertisement
36.65290, -105.96965
Open in OpenStreetMap

About Aldo Leopold House

Overview On February 2, 1912, Aldo Leopold (1887–1948) wrote to his fiancée, Estella Bergère, in Santa Fe that the Forest Service had appropriated $650 to build a new supervisor’s quarters he had designed at Tres Piedras, New Mexico, northwest of Taos. At the time, Leopold was about to become the new Forest Supervisor of the Carson National Forest in Tres Piedras. Later that year, he built the house, which the newly married couple decided to call “Mi Casita”. Leopold was transferred to Tres Piedras from the Apache National Forest in Arizona in 1911. It was here that he started to formulate his land ethic that would find its way into his classic, Sand County Almanac. He started to see land holistically and to recognize that this perspective was essential to its wise management. Today we call this ecosystem management. Aldo Leopold is considered by many to be the father of wildlife ecology. The Aldo Leopold House offers exceptional three-season access and opportunities in this historic home only ½ hr. west of Taos, New Mexico. The home is a Craftsman Style Bungalow and was restored by Historicorps and the Carson NF in 2005. This full-amenity house accommodates up to 8 people: two queen beds and 6 twins. Guests are responsible for their own safety and certain necessities (see below). The house is located in a rural area of Northern New Mexico. There is very limited cell phone service and the nearest gas station is located in Antonito, Colorado. (30 miles north). What should we bring? Potable water Bedding--sheets, blankets, sleeping bags, etc. Bath towels Kitchen towels Toilet paper Paper towels Soap Trash bags Personal items Take all trash with you at the end of your stay. There is no trash service at the House. Check-in: 3:00 PM and Check-out: 11:00 AM Recreation The cabin is adjacent to one of the Tres Piedras (three rocks, aka the TP Rocks), which are composed of “excellent granite” and offer great non-technical hiking and scrambling opportunities as well as diffic

How to Get There

Current (alternate) route to Leopold House Alternate Route--2025--Use this route!! (Click on this link to see map) Due to the ongoing highway construction on Hwy. 285, your route to the house has changed. Disregard the original address and directions to the house. On your day of arrival, please first navigate to the Tres Piedras Ranger Station (22280 Hwy. 64, Tres Piedras). (GPS coordinates at parking lot: Latitude-- 36 degrees 39' 04.1" and Longitude--105 degrees 58' 24.9"). From the parking lot in front of the ranger station, follow the signs that say 'Leopold House' with arrows. You can set your odometer to zero in the parking lot and will arrive at the green gate at 0.3 miles.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Long-sleeve shirt
    Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
  • 🧥
    Light shell or windbreaker
    Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
  • 👖
    Hiking pants or convertible
    Layer for variable conditions.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners or low boots
    Comfortable, broken in.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection
    Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Plan Your Visit to Aldo Leopold House

Heading to Aldo Leopold House? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Aldo Leopold House?

No central reservation system listed for Aldo Leopold House. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/273779) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Aldo Leopold House?

Current (alternate) route to Leopold House Alternate Route--2025--Use this route!! (Click on this link to see map) Due to the ongoing highway construction on Hwy. 285, your route to the house has changed. Disregard the original address and directions to the house. On your day of arrival, please first navigate to the Tres Piedras Ranger Station (22280 Hwy. 64, Tres Piedras). (GPS coordinates at par…

How do I contact Aldo Leopold House?

You can reach the park at email: jennifer.sublett@usda.gov.