Lobo Peak to Taos Ski Valley — Carson National Forest High Divide Road
11,500 feet of aspen and elk above Taos.
Forest Road 76 — the Lobo Peak road — climbs out of the Valle Vidal unit of Carson National Forest and traces the high divide above Taos Ski Valley, topping out near 11,500 feet on the flank of Lobo Peak before dropping into the ski valley basin. The route passes through dense old-growth spruce-fir forest and broad aspen parks that turn nuclear yellow in late September. This is elk country — serious elk country — and dawn runs on this road in fall will have you threading through herds that treat your rig like a minor inconvenience. The connection between the Valle Vidal and Taos Ski Valley is a legitimate overland link that most visitors to northern New Mexico don’t know exists.
The road is well-graded gravel in the lower sections but gets rocky and narrow near the divide. High-clearance 4WD is the call; a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handles it fine in dry conditions. Snow can close the upper sections as early as October and as late as June — call the Carson NF Questa Ranger District before committing to the high section. No permit required. Dispersed camping is available in the Valle Vidal unit. Fuel in Taos, 25 miles south.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic, Wildlife |
| Length (miles) | 28 mi / 45.1 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 11500 ft |
| Best season | July-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Taos, NM |
| Land manager | Carson National Forest — Questa Ranger District |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner run this trail without modifications?
Yes, a stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner handles this route fine. You don't need a lift, but low-range is useful on the steeper rocky sections near the high point.
When does this road typically open and close each year?
July through October is the reliable window. Snowfall can close the road at 11,500 feet as early as late September — check with the Questa Ranger District before heading up after mid-October.
Do you need a permit to drive or camp on this route?
No permit required to drive the route. Dispersed camping is allowed under standard Carson National Forest rules — 14-night limit, 300 feet from water sources and roads, pack out everything.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The rocky climb approaching the 11,500-foot high divide is the roughest stretch — loose rock, tight turns, and exposure. It's not a white-knuckle obstacle, but a blown tire or mechanical problem up there means a long, remote situation with zero cell service.
Are there water crossings, and can I refill drinking water on the trail?
There are small stream crossings — none are typically deep enough to be a serious obstacle in normal conditions, but early July snowmelt can change that fast. You can filter from streams along the route; carry enough treated water to be self-sufficient regardless.
Trail track
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