The Pecos, with its deep, narrow canyons, 13,000-foot peaks, alpine lakes, and open meadows surrendered to wildflowers, is ideal for aimless ambling. And with 223,000 acres, there's plenty of space to roam this southernmost stretch of the Rockies. Take a week to backpack the 30-mile north–south traverse starting at Santa Barbara campground, near Peñasco, detouring east to the exposed Truchas peaks, then straight south to the South Jack trailhead, passing through nap-worthy glades and gin-clear streams.