FR 480 — Old Pass in NM -- Camping Rules & Access
FR 480 — Old Pass in NM
Road corridorCarson NF, Questa Ranger District
12 mi from Questa
Maps 8,871 ft
Dispersed camping generally allowed
U.S. Forest Service default; a local order can restrict it.
Motor-vehicle season 5/1–12/31Stay limit: 14 days · within 45 days
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Road Access
Difficult
- All 2.1 miles of this road are maintained for high-clearance vehicles, dirt the whole way.
- Estimated climb: 910 ft over 2.1 miles through 7 switchbacks, with sustained grades near 18% and pitches to 60%.
- Terrain estimates show roadside drops of up to ~140 ft on the downhill side.
- Terrain estimates suggest little level ground beside this road.
Setting
Some privacy
- Moderately separated here.
- The Tall Pines Lake shoreline is 0.1 mi off.
- Black Mountain stands 2,395 ft above the map pin, 2.8 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 33–56°F, 1.9″ precipitation. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.