How to get by car to Mangas Mountain in New Mexico?

Mangas Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,948m (9,671ft) above sea level, located in Catron County, in the US state of New Mexico.

Mangas Mountain

Where is Mangas Mountain?

The pass is situated in the western part of New Mexico, near the border with Arizona, within the Apache National Forest.

What’s at the summit of Mangas Mountain?

At the summit, there is a lookout tower built in 1934. It offers tremendous views to the east, south, and west. If there is a thunderstorm in the area, please avoid visiting the lookout.

Is the road to Mangas Mountain unpaved?

The road to the summit is completely unpaved. It's called Mangas Road or Mangas Lookout Road. For the most part, it’s a good road, though one or two sections, particularly near cattle guards, can be a bit rough and rocky.

How long is the road to Mangas Mountain?

Starting from the paved NM-12 road, east of Old Horse Springs, the road to the summit is 21.24km (13.2 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 839m, and the average gradient is 3.95%.
Pic: Clare Nelson

 

 

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