Big Rosa Canyon (FR 56) in NM -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in New Mexico
Big Rosa Canyon (FR 56) in NM
An 8.5-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Socorro County, NM.
Cibola National Forest, Magdalena Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit.
All 8.5 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (8.5 miles). Climbs 940 ft over 8.5 miles -- sustained grades near 12%, with pitches to 22%. Level ground alongside most of its length. Winds through 5 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch. Water crossings 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.8, 2.8 and 2.9 miles in. A cattle guard 5.3 miles in.
A-L Peak stands 2,919 ft above the site, 3.6 miles west. Private here -- the nearest through road is 1.3 miles off. The nearest town, Socorro, is 30 mi off.
September normals 47–79°F, 1.9″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.
Set by Cibola National Forest, Magdalena Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.
fs.usda.gov