Dalton (FR 123) in NM -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in New Mexico
Dalton (FR 123) in NM
An 8.3-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Santa Fe County, NM. The road serves Rainy Day Picnic Ground. The road is open seasonally, May 17 to February 29.
Santa Fe National Forest, Pecos-Las Vegas Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 45 days.
All 8.3 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. 6.7 of the 8.3 miles in are dirt. Climbs 2,000 ft over 8.3 miles -- sustained grades near 18%, with pitches to 24%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~120 ft on the downhill side. Winds through 3 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch. Gates 0.1, 2.3 and 6.8 miles in. A cattle guard 6.8 miles in.
A well-travelled stretch -- travellers have camped along here. Private here -- the nearest through road is 1.7 miles off. Viveash Mesa stands 2,387 ft above the site, 3.6 miles northeast. Pecos River runs 1.1 mi off. The nearest town, Tesuque, is 13 mi off.
September normals 44–72°F, 2.2″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.
Set by Santa Fe National Forest, Pecos-Las Vegas Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.
fs.usda.gov