Adventure along the remote road to Elk Mountain

Elk Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.558m (11,673ft) above the sea level, located in San Miguel County, New Mexico, United States. It’s one of the highest roads of New Mexico. The drive offers some of the most unique and remote views in Northern New Mexico.

Elk Mountain

Set high in Santa Fe National Forest, the road to the summit is unpaved. It’s called Forest Road 218. Weather conditions can change quickly and be harsh. Road closures can be frequent. 4wd vehicle recommended. Road starts as a well serviced forest road, and gradually turns into rocky double track, and finally single track. It gets a bit treacherous in the last couple of miles before the summit.

Only travel on this road when it is dry. The summit offers a one-of-a-kind 360-degree view of the surrounding mountain ranges. Do not take this drive if you have respiratory problems or any type of heart condition. Altitude and extreme weather are always a factor at any time of year. The summit is broad and very gently rounded. A shelter and some communication towers sit atop the peak. The drive is particularly dramatic during the fall season.
Pic: Garrett Altmann

 

Seguridad de la página de inicio

Drive Us to Your Road!

We have cataloged over 13,000 roads, but we're always looking for more. Have you traveled a road that deserves to be featured? Click here to submit your road story, and we'll feature it on dangerousroads.org!