How hazardous is NM-15 Road in winters?

New Mexico State Road 15 (NM-15) is a very scenic drive located in the US state of New Mexico. Snowstorms can temporarily stop travel on the road.

NM 15 Road

Where is NM-15 Road?

The road straddles Grant and Catron counties, in the southwestern part of New Mexico, within the Gila National Forest.

Is NM-15 Road paved?

The road is fully paved yet curvy and narrow in parts. How locals say, ‘It’s pretty winding and twists enough to inflict motion sickness on a rattlesnake’.

How long is NM-15 Road?

The road is 70.48km (43.8 miles) long, running south-north from Silver City (a town in Grant County) to Cliff Dweller Canyon (in Catron County), where it ends.

Why is NM-15 Road dangerous in winters?

The road tops out at 2.272m (7,454ft) above sea level. Winter driving on the road can be hazardous. Snow on the road banks tends to melt during the day and form ice patches when the sun sets.

 

 

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