Forest Road 70 – Brazos Ridge
Depression-era logging road to 10,000-foot ridge views
Forest Road 70 climbs from the Chama River Valley up through dense spruce forests to the Brazos Ridge, gaining over 3,000 feet through switchbacks carved by Depression-era loggers. The route starts innocuously near the ghost town of Brazos before turning nasty around mile 8 where loose shale and embedded boulders demand patience and precise tire placement. Past the worst rocky section, the road opens onto alpine meadows with commanding views of the Tusas Mountains and Carson National Forest.
This is solid intermediate territory requiring high-clearance 4WD and aggressive all-terrain tires minimum. Snow lingers until June above 9,000 feet, making July through September the sweet spot for running this ridge. No permits needed, but bring extra water since the only reliable source is Brazos Creek at the start. Plan on camping dispersed along the ridge – there’s nothing better than waking up at 10,000 feet with the entire northern New Mexico spread out below you.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 10100 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Chama, New Mexico |
| Land manager | Carson National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler handle Forest Road 70?
Yes, but expect body damage from the rocky sections above 9,000 feet. Stock clearance works but skid plates are highly recommended for the technical climbs.
Is the trail accessible in May or October?
No, snow typically blocks the upper sections from October through June. The road is only reliably passable July through September due to high elevation.
Do I need permits to camp on Brazos Ridge?
No permits required for dispersed camping in Carson National Forest. Follow Leave No Trace principles and camp at least 100 feet from water sources.
What's the hardest part of this trail?
The final 3-mile push to Brazos Ridge around mile 15-16 gets seriously rocky with loose granite sections. Low-range 4WD mandatory and spotters help on the steeper climbs.
How much fuel range do I need for this trail?
Allow 40+ miles round-trip from Chama plus any side exploration. Fill up in Chama as there's no fuel closer to the trailhead.