Getting Oriented
The Tres Piedras Ranger District is the largest district on Carson National Forest, covering the southern San Juan Mountains and the Taos Plateau west of US 285. San Antonio Mountain is the most prominent landmark, an extinct shield volcano visible for 50 miles in any direction. The lower miles of FR 87 cross BLM Taos Field Office land before entering Carson NF on the western flank of the peak. Bureau of Land Management Taos Field Office (575-758-8851) and Carson NF's Tres Piedras Ranger District (575-758-8678) split jurisdiction.
Trail Overview
FR 87 runs roughly 22 miles from US 285 north of Tres Piedras west across the plateau and around the south side of San Antonio Mountain. Surface is graded dirt and gravel, with washboard sections on the BLM stretches and smoother grade once the road enters Carson NF. There are no significant obstacles, no creek crossings that require careful tire placement, and no narrow shelf sections. A pre-fabricated concrete bridge crosses the Rio San Antonio about 10 miles west of US 285.
The road climbs from the sage and grass plateau into ponderosa pine, then spruce-fir, with extensive aspen groves on the upper slopes. Late September and early October are peak aspen color, drawing photographers and weekend traffic. The road is generally drivable May through October; snow closes the upper sections from November through April.
Points of Interest
- San Antonio Mountain. Extinct shield volcano at 10,908 feet, the highest peak on the Taos Plateau. The summit is foot access only via game trails from FR 87.
- Aspen groves. Extensive groves on the upper slopes, with the densest stands between miles 12 and 18.
- Rio San Antonio. Small clear stream the road crosses; a popular dispersed camping zone.
- Cruces Basin Wilderness. Reached via spur roads off the upper end of FR 87. Foot-only access into the high-country basin.
- Tres Piedras rocks. Three large granite outcrops on the south side of US 64 in Tres Piedras village; a regional climbing area and the namesake of the ranger district.
Where to Camp
Dispersed camping is allowed on both the BLM and Carson NF segments along FR 87. The 14-day stay limit applies on both. The most-used sites cluster along the Rio San Antonio and on the open meadow benches above the river. There are no fees, no facilities. Hopewell Lake Campground, a USFS-developed site west on US 64 near Tierra Amarilla, is the closest formal campground. Standard fire restrictions apply in summer; check the Tres Piedras Ranger District before camping with a fire.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Drive in dry conditions. The plateau is flat enough that wet spots stay wet, and clay sections turn slick after rain.
- Lower miles are washboard. Air down for comfort.
- Snow closes the upper sections November through April. Hopewell Lake area drains snow later than Tres Piedras itself.
- Cell service is gone for most of the route. Carry an offline map.
- Hunting is heavy in October. Wear blaze orange off the road.
- Watch for cattle. The plateau is open range; cows have right of way.
- The Tres Piedras Ranger District (575-758-8678) holds current road status.
