Forest Road 267 to Sunlight Peak — Gila National Forest Mogollon Mountains High Circuit via Sandy Creek
Mogollon high country — deep, rough, and worth every mile.
The Mogollon Mountains in New Mexico’s Gila National Forest are some of the most rugged and under-traveled high country in the Southwest. FR 267 climbs out of the Gila River valley west of Glenwood through ponderosa pine into the transition zone above 9,000 feet, threading along canyon rims with views into the Black Range and the Gila Wilderness that stretch for a hundred miles on a clear day. Sandy Creek crossing near the lower trailhead runs knee-deep through spring and early summer — one of several water crossings that define this route’s character. The road tops out near Bursum Campground before looping back via FR 28 through Mogollon Ghost Town.
Expect rough, rocky two-track with tight switchbacks, loose shale on the upper sections, and stream crossings that demand respect. A high-clearance 4WD with good all-terrain tires is the minimum — shorter wheelbase rigs do better on the tight corners. Best season is June through October after spring runoff settles; the upper road can be snowed in through May. Fuel in Reserve or Glenwood before you head out — there’s nothing in between. Water sources exist but treat everything. Cell service is effectively zero. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the Gila National Forest per standard USFS rules.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 38 mi / 61.2 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 9200 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Glenwood, NM |
| Land manager | USDA Forest Service — Gila National Forest, Reserve Ranger District |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | USFS Gila NF recreation area Gila NF Motor Vehicle Use Map |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle FR 267 to Sunlight Peak, or do I need a built rig?
A stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner can make it, but you'll be working for it — rocky shelf road sections and loose decomposed granite require low-range and careful line choice. Lifted rigs with skid plates will take less punishment. Don't attempt this in a stock crossover or 2WD truck.
When does this route typically open in spring, and is snow a real issue?
June through October is the reliable window. The route climbs to 9,200 feet and snow can linger on north-facing sections well into May. Late October storms can close it fast — check with the Reserve Ranger District before pushing it at either end of the season.
Do I need a permit to run this route or camp in the Gila National Forest here?
No permit is required for motorized travel on FR 267 or dispersed camping in this section of Gila National Forest. Confirm your route stays on roads designated on the Gila NF Motor Vehicle Use Map — the adjacent Gila Wilderness is closed to all motorized use and the boundary is real.
What's the hardest section on this circuit and what should I actually expect?
The rocky climb out of the Sandy Creek drainage toward the higher elevations is where most rigs get tested — loose rock, off-camber shelf road, and no bailout options if something breaks. Add in creek crossings that can run knee-deep after monsoon rain and you've got the recipe for a slow, technical afternoon. If you're not comfortable with exposed shelf roads, this one will be stressful.
How far is it to the nearest gas from the trailhead, and is there reliable water on route?
Glenwood, NM is your last fuel stop — top off there, it's a small town and hours aren't guaranteed, so don't arrive on fumes. Sandy Creek and tributaries provide water on route but treat everything; cattle and wildlife use the same sources. There is zero cell service for the entire 38 miles, so download your maps offline before you leave pavement.
Trail track
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