Much of the range is federal land , including Santa Fe National Forest , Bandelier National Monument , and the Valles Caldera National Preserve . State lands include Fenton Lake State Park at in Sandoval County . Hiking trails crisscross the range and lead to many of the summits , although some regions are closed to hikers either because of environmental restrictions or because they are on the territory of Santa Clara Pueblo or private landholders . ( Access to pueblo lands is available by permit . ) The summits are generally easy to climb ( in good weather ) and require no technical climbing skills , but rock climbing is popular on some of the basalt cliffs near Los Alamos , Caja del Rio and elsewhere in the range . The mountains also are home to Pajarito Mountain , a small downhill ski area and offer some opportunities for cross country skiing , although not every winter produces enough snow to support this recreational activity . The region is prone to forest fires because of the tendency for spring weather to be dry and windy , creating conditions under which fires caused by human activities or lightning can spread rapidly . The Las Conchas Fire in 2011 was the most recent large wildfire . Parts of Los Alamos National Laboratory were also damaged , although none of the laboratory 's special nuclear materials were threatened or released
Las Conchas Fire
Las Conchas Fire
Jemez Mountains