Located along the Santa Barbara Divide in the northeast corner of the Pecos Wilderness, Jicarita Peak rises above the wide, grassy ridge that separates the Rio Grande from the Pecos River. This surprisingly lush, seldom visited corner of the wilderness is one of the hidden gems of the Pecos region and is well worth the long drive.

Carson National Forest is in northern New Mexico. It covers an area of 1.5 million acres and has a diverse landscape that ranges from 6,000 feet to 13,161 feet at Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico. The forest is home to many wildlife species, including the endangered Mexican Spotted Owl and the New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse. The forest offers many recreational opportunities, such as skiing, hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and bird watchng. The forest also has cultural and historical significance, as it contains prehistoric ruins, ice caves, lava flows, and ancestral lands of several Native American tribes.

The East Fort Santa Barbara Trail is the least traveled of the three trails up to the Santa Barbara Divide and offers the opportunity for a more solitary wilderness experience. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow. The trail ends at the Jicarita Peak Ridge just northeast of the Santa Barbara Divide at the junction of Trail #36.  Bad weather, especially afternoon thunderstorms during the summer, or dense fog may make navigation difficult or impossible.

From the Camino Real Ranger Station in Peñasco (25 miles south of Taos on NM-518) go south through town on NM-75 to the sharp right curve and the junction of NM-73. Turn left on NM-73 and drive 1.5 miles. Just before NM-73 veers right to cross over the Rio Santa Barbara, turn left onto Forest Road 116. This road is 6 miles long and dead ends in Santa Barbara Campground, where parking, outhouses, and drinking water are available. The trailhead is at the north end of the campground loop.