How to drive the unpaved road to Vintrero Peak in New Mexico?
Vintrero Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,720m (12,204ft) above sea level, located in Taos County, in the US state of New Mexico. It is one of the highest roads in New Mexico.
| Road facts: Vintrero Peak | |
|---|---|
| Location | Taos County, New Mexico (USA) |
| Elevation at Summit | 3,720 m (12,204 ft) |
| Length | 15.2 km (9.4 miles) from Arellano Road |
| Elevation Gain | 937 m (3,074 ft) |
| Average Gradient | 6.16% |
| Max Gradient | 14% |
| Hairpin Turns | 29 switchbacks |
| Surface | 100% unpaved dirt |
| Vehicle Requirements | 4WD required |
Where is Vintrero Peak located?
The peak, known as Vintrero Benchmark Peak in some maps, is located east of Costilla, in the northern part of New Mexico near the Colorado border within the Carson National Forest.
Is the road to Vintrero Peak unpaved?
Yes. The rugged, remote dirt road to the summit is totally unpaved, featuring 29 tight switchbacks. It is narrow in parts and very steep, hitting a 14% maximum gradient through some of the ramps. A 4WD vehicle is required.
How long is the road to Vintrero Peak?
Starting from Arellano Road, the road to the summit is 15.2 km (9.4 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 937 m (3,074 ft) and the average gradient is 6.16%.
Is the road to Vintrero Peak open year-round?
No. Set high in the Culebra Range of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the road is not plowed in winter. It is usually impassable from October through mid-June.