Royal John (FR 886) — Black Range in NM -- Camping Rules & Access
Royal John (FR 886) — Black Range in NM
Road corridorGila NF, Black Range Ranger District
21 mi from Bayard
21 mi off US 180 (straight line)
Maps 7,280 ft
Dispersed camping generally allowed
U.S. Forest Service default; a local order can restrict it.
Stay limit: 14 days · within 30 days
VerizonNONE
AT&TNONE
T-MobileNONE
StarlinkGOOD
Road Access
Difficult
- All 3.5 miles of this road are maintained for high-clearance vehicles, dirt the whole way.
- Near Thompson Cone.
- Estimated climb: 980 ft over 3.5 miles through 16 switchbacks, with sustained grades near 14% and pitches to 25%.
- Terrain estimates show roadside drops of up to ~140 ft on the downhill side.
- Terrain estimates suggest little level ground beside this road.
- Water crossings 2.9, 3.4 and 4.3 miles along the road.
Setting
Fairly secluded
- Well separated here, with the nearest through road 1.4 miles off.
- Sawyers Peak stands 2,388 ft above the map pin, 3.0 miles north.
- Ackin Tank lies 0.9 mi off.
Rules
Climate averages
October normals 42–67°F, 1.3″ precipitation. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.