Cerro Pelado (FR 270) in NM -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in New Mexico

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Cerro Pelado (FR 270) in NM

Santa Fe NF, Jemez Ranger District
7,885 ft
Maps
Overnight camping allowedRUTTED
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AT&TNONE
T-MobileWEAK
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An 11.7-mile stretch of graded dirt National Forest road in Sandoval County, NM.

Santa Fe National Forest, Jemez Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 45 days.

All 11.7 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Mostly graded dirt, with 5.2 miles of dirt. Climbs 3,500 ft over 11.7 miles -- sustained grades near 16%, with pitches to 36%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~110 ft on the downhill side. Winds through 14 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch.

Cerro del Pino stands 1,147 ft above the site, 0.7 miles southeast. The nearest town, Jemez Pueblo, is 13 mi off.

September normals 43–72°F, 1.9″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.

Nearby Spots
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Fire restrictions

Set by Santa Fe National Forest, Jemez Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.

fs.usda.gov
Sources checked August 2026Something wrong here?