Peñasco

The next community along the road from Las Trampas [1] is Peñasco, best known to tourists as the home of the delicious Sugar Nymphs Bistro (15046 Hwy. 76, 575/587-0311, 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5:30–7:30 p.m. Wed.–Sat., 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Sun., $10), where you can get all kinds of treats such as grilled lamb, fresh-pressed cider, piñon couscous, and pizzas. Hours can be more limited in the winter, so it’s best to call ahead.

This is also the northern gateway to the Pecos Wilderness Area [2]—turn on Forest Road 116 to reach Santa Barbara Campground and the Santa Barbara Trail to Truchas Peak, a 23-mile round-trip that requires a good amount of planning.