How to Travel New Mexico State Road 126
NM-126 is a highly scenic drive situated in the heart of Sandoval County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It offers breathtaking views, but the graded dirt road section can be intimidating.
Is New Mexico State Road 126 paved?
The road is not entirely paved and features a few unpaved sections. It begins as a well-paved, excellent, curvy road into the mountains. Afterward, there is an 8-mile section that transforms into a one to two-lane dirt road with switchbacks, hills, and canyons, including some minor washouts and curves around tight corners. Only travel on this road when it is dry.
How long is New Mexico State Road 126?
The road spans 61.63 km (38.3 miles), running west-east from NM-4 Road to Cuba, on US-550. The drive offers stunning views of the mountains. Exercise caution when traveling these highways at night, as there is a significant population of deer and elk.
Is New Mexico State Road 126 open?
Situated in the north-central part of New Mexico, in the Jemez Mountains, the road reaches an elevation of 2,670m (8,759ft) above sea level. The middle section of the drive is typically closed during the winter months and may be impassable for a few days at other times due to muddy conditions resulting from rainstorms.