• Many parts of the forest, including campgrounds, are accessible by good paved highways:

 • New Mexico 4 between San Ysidro and Los Alamos passes through the Jemez Mountains, with Redondo campground and others along the way.
 • New Mexico 96 between Abiquiu and Gallina offers access to the northwest side.
 • New Mexico 475 (Santa Fe Ski Basin road) passes Little Tesuque and Big Tesuque campgrounds en route to the ski area, with the trailhead for the popular Winsor Trail.
 • New Mexico 63 runs from Interstate 25 to Cowles, in the heart of the eastern part of the forest, with several campgrounds and ready access to the Pecos Wilderness.

 • Forest roads crisscross most of the forest, except for the Pecos Wilderness north of Cowles and the San Pedro Parks Wilderness on the extreme northwest side. High-clearance vehicles are useful for some of these roads. The two wilderness areas are accessible only on foot or by horseback; no motorized vehicles are allowed.

 • Santa Fe has limited commercial air service. The nearest major airport is in Albuquerque, 60 miles (100 km) south of Santa Fe.