Trail Creek (FR 20) in NM -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in New Mexico
Trail Creek (FR 20) in NM
A 44.3-mile stretch of gravel National Forest road in Sandoval County, NM. The road is open seasonally, September 1 to February 29.
Santa Fe National Forest, Cuba Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 45 days.
22.9 of the 44.3 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Mostly gravel, with 21.8 miles of dirt. Climbs 8,700 ft over 44.3 miles -- sustained grades near 14%, with pitches to 50%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~140 ft on the downhill side. Winds through 41 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch.
A well-travelled stretch -- travellers have camped along here. Exposed here -- the nearest through road is 0.1 miles off. Big Mountain stands 2,100 ft above the site, 3.2 miles east. The nearest town, Jemez Pueblo, is 24 mi off.
September normals 42–76°F, 1.6″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.
Set by Santa Fe National Forest, Cuba Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.
fs.usda.gov