Exploration (FR 491) in NM -- Camping Rules & Access
Exploration (FR 491) in NM
Road corridorCarson NF, Questa Ranger District
11 mi from Questa
Maps 9,124 ft
Dispersed camping generally allowed
U.S. Forest Service default; a local order can restrict it.
Motor-vehicle season 6/16–4/30Stay limit: 14 days · within 45 days
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Road Access
Difficult
- All 3 miles of this road are maintained for high-clearance vehicles, dirt the whole way.
- Near Sawmill Mountain.
- Estimated climb: 1,600 ft over 3 miles through 9 switchbacks, with sustained grades near 22% and pitches to 28%.
- Terrain estimates show roadside drops of up to ~140 ft on the downhill side.
- Terrain estimates suggest little level ground beside this road.
- Dead-end road; turnaround space is not mapped.
Setting
Fairly secluded
- Well separated here, with the nearest through road 0.9 miles off.
- Sawmill Mountain stands 1,844 ft above the map pin, 1.7 miles west.
- Estimated night sky: Bortle 2, true dark-sky territory.
Rules
- Most of the Carson National Forest is open to dispersed camping, which is when you camp away from developed facilities and associated amenities (e.g. bathrooms, picnic tables, fire rings). This includes car camping and backpacking.…Permits are currently not required for dispersed camping, including for backpacking or entering wilderness areas.
- Camping rules
Climate averages
October normals 30–55°F, 1.8″ precipitation. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.