Lobo Peak to Taos Ski Valley — Carson National Forest High Divide Road

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.