Ultimate 4wd destination: Glorieta Baldy

Glorieta Baldy is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.096m (10,157ft) above the sea level, located in Santa Fe County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of New Mexico.

Glorieta Baldy

Located in the Santa Fe National Forest, the rugged road to the summit is totally unpaved and impassable in winters. 4x4 vehicle required. It’s known as Glorieta Baldy Road.

The road to the summit is steep, with countless turns and hairpin turns. Starting from Forest Service Road 375, the ascent is 8km (4.97 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 555 meters. The average gradient is 6.93%. At the summit there’s a lookout tower built in 1940. The tower is not currently active for firewatching. For your safety, be sure to check the weather forecast before you begin your trip. If there is a thunderstorm in the area, please do not visit a lookout.
Pic&video: Jennifer L. Eggerton