Forest Road 274 – Manzano Mountains Loop
Mining-era loop through white limestone country
Forest Road 274 loops through the Manzano Mountains’ forgotten mining country, where turn-of-the-century prospectors blasted silver and lead from limestone cliffs. The 22-mile circuit starts near the village of Tajique and climbs through piñon-juniper country before hitting the technical stuff around Capilla Peak – a series of white limestone shelves that’ll scrape your running boards if you’re not careful. The old Osha Mine ruins make a good lunch stop before the descent through Red Canyon.
This is moderate 4WD country requiring high clearance and decent ground clearance for the limestone steps. Late spring through early fall runs best, though afternoon thunderstorms can make the clay sections slippery as hell. No permits needed in Cibola National Forest, but bring plenty of water since the only reliable source is Osha Spring near mile 15. The dispersed camping up near Capilla Peak puts you at 9,000 feet with killer views of the Rio Grande valley and the Sandias to the north.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 22 mi / 35.4 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 9100 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Mountainair, New Mexico |
| Land manager | Cibola National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler handle the limestone ledges on this trail?
A stock Wrangler with decent tires can make it, but the limestone ledges require careful line selection and spotting. The rock can be sharp and unforgiving if you scrape.
Is Forest Road 274 passable in early spring or late fall?
Snow typically closes the higher elevations from November through April. May-October is your safe window, with June-September being ideal for avoiding mud and ice.
Do I need any permits to camp along the Manzano Mountains Loop?
No permits required for dispersed camping in Cibola National Forest. Follow Leave No Trace principles and camp at least 200 feet from water sources.
What's the most challenging part of this 22-mile loop?
The technical limestone ledges around mile 12-15 are the crux - they're off-camber with loose rock and require precise wheel placement. Take your time through this section.
How many miles can I go without cell service on this trail?
Expect spotty to no cell service for most of the 22-mile loop. Download offline maps beforehand and let someone know your planned route and return time.