
Brazos Summit in New Mexico: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
Usa, north-america
77.73 km
3,209 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, road trip lovers, let's talk about Brazos Summit in northern New Mexico! At a whopping 10,528 feet, this is one of the highest roads you can find in the state!
You'll find this gem in the Carson National Forest, and it's an easy cruise – fully paved as US Route 64. No white-knuckle hairpin turns or scary drop-offs here, just a smooth, steady climb with a max gradient of 7%.
Snaking through the San Juan Range (aka the Tusas Mountains), this almost 50-mile (77.73km) beauty connects Tierra Amarilla to Tres Piedras. Give yourself an hour of driving, but honestly, you'll want longer – it's THAT scenic.
If you're chasing mountain views and some serious solitude, this is your road. Picture this: miles and miles of aspen groves, making it a fall foliage paradise. Late September and early October is the sweet spot. But even in summer, it’s the perfect escape from the heat. Seriously, the aspens in autumn are like nature's own fireworks display.
Where is it?
Brazos Summit in New Mexico: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.6501, -99.3395
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 77.73 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,209 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 39.6501, -99.3395
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