Trail Overview

This route travels through the southern tip of the Manzano Mountains and connects the village of Manzano on State Highway 131 with State Highway 60. It travels along a right-of-way through private property on both ends before entering the Cibola Forest. The trail can be dusty and has a few low water crossings.

Photos of FS 422 Priest Canyon

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Difficulty

This route has a few low water crossings and is narrow in spots.

History

The Manzano Mountains stretch about 40 miles (64 kilometers) from north to south and boast 27 major peaks, the most prominent of which is Manzano Peak at 10,098 feet (3,078 meters) in elevation. The name Manzano means apple. In the early 1700s, when Spanish explorers visited a small village on the eastern edge of these mountains, they discovered very old manzanos (apple trees), a fruit tree that is not native to this country. The mountain, a state park, and a small town have kept the name Manzano.

Technical Rating

joe garcia

Oct 15, 2025

Open

Dirt roads are in fairly good condition. Parts of the road had a few ruts but can still do 2wd.

David R

Dec 27, 2024

Open

Jay Atkinson

Mar 08, 2024

Open

Greg Plourde

Feb 17, 2024

Open

I decided to tackle this trail alone…on my first day off-road. I wanted to get it in before sunset but ending up feeling rushed by creeping darkness. I started at highway 60 and headed north leaving the last part of the trail the most interesting. Modest shelf road with snow and mud for miles…what a blast!