It is in the national forest just outside Red River, NM. I will call the Rangers and get advice. It isn't that I am opposed to buying a bear vault, just not sure this will be something we do again and they're not exactly inexpensive. If it goes well then yes but not sure.

I can probably ask around some of my more seasoned camping friends. I know some of them have camped in the mountains and might already have one. I love the mountains and would be happy to do this every year but not sure it is always in the cards.