Old Red River Pass

Old Red River Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.021m (9,911ft) above the sea level, located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, in Taos County, New Mexico, United States.

Old Red River Pass

The road to the summit, located in Carson National Forest, is gravel and bumpy. It’s called Forest Access Road 488 (Old Red River Pass Road). Adverse weather conditions can prompt closure of the road. The top of this road offers great views of the Red River Upper Valley, Wheeler Peak and Gold Hill.

The trail is pretty slow going. 4WD is recommended. The grade is a comfortable, steady uphill climb. Starting from NM-578 road, the ascent is 5.2km long. Over this distance the elevation gain is 333 meters. The average gradient is 6.40% via 6 hairpin turns. This steep and narrow series of switchbacks was an early road into town and an engineering feat built in 1915-1916. The trail is wide enough for one vehicle on the way up with a couple of spots to pass at the switchbacks.
Pic: Carson National Forest

 

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