Trail Overview
La Junta Canyon is an easy-going, scenic drive ideal for beginners, families, and high-clearance passenger vehicles looking to explore the beautiful Carson National Forest near Taos, New Mexico. Spanning approximately 1.0 mile with an easy climb of about 354 feet, this trail winds through lush pine forests and open valleys, offering quick access to the mountain wilderness. The route begins just off US-64 near Palo Flechado Pass and heads northwest toward Forest Road 706, reaching a maximum elevation of 9,111 feet. Along the way, travelers will encounter a well-maintained gravel road that serves as a gateway to local woodcutting areas and active logging operations.
While the trail is passable for most two-wheel-drive cars, four-wheel-drive rigs, and SxSs, drivers should remain alert for several drainage cuts across the dirt and gravel surface that require slow speeds, particularly in low-clearance vehicles. There are approximately four to five dispersed camping sites along the route, offering rustic stone fire rings but no facilities or water. Cell reception remains surprisingly adequate throughout the canyon, making it a reliable spot for a quick day trip or overnight camp. The road ends at a gate bordering the Taos Pueblo, where motorized public access terminates, requiring all visitors to turn back or respect the private boundary.
