Driving the Scenic Bursum Road in New Mexico

Bursum Road is a stunningly scenic drive located in Catron County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. Narrow and winding, this road is a single-lane route with occasional turnouts.

Bursum Road

Where is Bursum Road?

The road lies in the western part of New Mexico, near the Arizona border, within the Gila National Forest. It passes through the historic mining town of Mogollon and serves as the primary access to various recreational opportunities.

How long is Bursum Road?

Part of the New Mexico State Highway, the road is 111.68 km (69.4 miles) long. It is a shortcut from NM-163 to US-180 (south of Alma). The recommended vehicle length is 20 feet maximum.

Is Bursum Road paved?

The road is paved up to the town of Mogollon and becomes an unpaved, rough, single-lane road as it climbs into the mountains. In dry and favorable conditions, the drive can be relatively straightforward. However, after rain, the route can become extremely muddy, slippery, and, in some cases, completely impassable.

Is Bursum Road open in winter?

Set high in the Mogollon Mountains, it’s a high mountain road running entirely over 2,500 m above sea level. Its highest elevation is at 2,815 m (9,235 ft) above sea level. The road is closed during winter months due to the risk of icy, snowy conditions.

 

 

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