Everything You Need to Know About the Wild Road to Palo Encebado Peak in New Mexico

Palo Encebado Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,069m (10,068ft) above sea level, located in Taos County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest roads in New Mexico.

Palo Encebado Peak

Where is Palo Encebado Peak?

The peak is located east of Taos, in northern New Mexico’s high desert.

Is the Road to Palo Encebado Peak Unpaved?

The logging road to the summit is entirely unpaved and generally in rough condition. It’s called Shadow Mountain Road. A 4x4 vehicle with high clearance is required. 

How Long is the Road to Palo Encebado Peak in New Mexico?

Starting from the paved US-64, the road to the summit is 6.9 km (4.28 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 611m, and the average gradient is 8.85%.

Is the Road to Palo Encebado Peak in New Mexico open year-round?

Set high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the road is impassable in winters due to the heavy snowfalls in the area. After rains, the road can become impassable.
Pic: New Mexico Tourism Department

 

 

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