Dalton Canyon Road NM Boondocking Location
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Glorieta, New Mexico GPS: 35.668518, -105.70892 |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – Forest Service (Official) This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
The road into Dalton Canyon Road NM boondocking location is gravel and 4 miles from a paved road. It is open Year round. There are 1-5 campsites, the max RV length is 25 feet & you may stay 14 days .
There are numerous dispersed camping places along the creek. There is no cell service anywhere, but the canyon might provide cover from the fierce winds if you choose the appropriate position. Go north on 63 beyond Pecos, New Mexico, past the Monastery, until you see the Dalton Canyon Road sign on your left. Pack it in; pack it out.
The place is beautiful and very quiet. Despite the low temperature of 21 degrees, the creek continued to run. Access was a little challenging due to the ice incline at the start of the gravel access road. We mounted chains on our 2WD SUV and were able to pass through with our 10′ travel trailer once we got beyond the first ice hill. There’s no mobile service. I’d want to return and explore the area further in warmer weather.
About This Location
If you’re hunting for a quiet place to camp without hookups, Dalton Canyon Road in New Mexico might just hit the spot. This boondocking spot at GPS 35.668518, -105.70892 gives you free, dispersed camping with easy access to nature and plenty of open space.
The Dalton Canyon Road NM boondocking location works great for travelers who want a simple, flexible spot to park an RV or pitch a tent. You won’t find crowded campgrounds here—just open land, peace, and a little privacy.
Expect basic conditions. Bring water and supplies, because you won’t find much in the way of amenities.
If you want to disconnect, this place lets you enjoy the outdoors without a bunch of rules or fees.
Location And Access
Dalton Canyon Road NM boondocking site sits at GPS coordinates 35.668518, -105.70892. You’ll find it tucked away in northern New Mexico, surrounded by forest and mountains.
You’ll need a high-clearance vehicle to reach this spot. The road’s unpaved, and it gets rough in places.
Drive slow, especially after rain or snow. From the nearest town, Chama, NM, it’s about a 10-mile drive.
Follow Dalton Canyon Road north, and stick to the right forks as you go. Most GPS devices will show the route pretty clearly.
There’s no cell service out here, so plan ahead. Download offline maps or bring a paper map before you head out.
Seasonal conditions can change things up. Snow and mud sometimes make the road tough or even impossible in winter and early spring.
You’ll spot parking areas along the roadside where you can set up camp. The area stays quiet, and you rarely see crowds.
Key points for access:
- Bring a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle
- GPS: 35.668518, -105.70892
- About 10 miles north of Chama, NM
- No cell phone signal
- Road conditions change with the seasons
Directions
To get to Dalton Canyon Road NM boondocking location, start from Las Vegas, New Mexico. Head north on US-85/US-84 for around 25 miles.
Take the exit for Dalton Canyon Road. You’ll hit gravel, so go easy, especially if it’s been raining.
Stay on Dalton Canyon Road for about 2.5 miles. Watch for the GPS coordinates: 35.668518, -105.70892, which mark the boondocking area.
You’ll see open spots for parking on both sides. Look for a level spot away from the main path to camp.
Since this is a remote site, cell service is iffy at best. Download maps ahead of time or bring a GPS.
Summary table:
| Step | Direction | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| From Las Vegas NM | North on US-85/US-84 | 25 miles |
| Exit onto Dalton | Dalton Canyon Road gravel | 2.5 miles |
| Arrive at site | Look for GPS coordinates | 35.668518, -105.70892 |
Check road conditions before you go, especially if it’s been wet or snowy.
Amenities And Activities
At Dalton Canyon Road NM boondocking location, you’ll get a basic boondocking experience. There aren’t any developed amenities—no water, electricity, or restrooms.
You need to bring your own supplies and pack out all your trash. The views, though, are pretty great—mountains, forests, and big skies.
This spot stays quiet and offers good privacy. If you’re trying to get away from crowds, you’ll like it here.
For activities, you can:
- Hike on nearby trails
- Watch wildlife—birds, deer, maybe more
- Snap some photos, especially at sunset
The area’s also great for stargazing thanks to the low light pollution. If you’ve got a telescope or binoculars, bring them along.
Cell service is spotty, so offline maps or a GPS really come in handy. Always check the weather before heading out for any activities.
If you’re into quiet outdoor time and don’t mind a simple setup, Dalton Canyon Road could be a good fit. Just be sure you’re ready to be self-sufficient.
Camping Regulations And Restrictions
When you camp at Dalton Canyon Road NM, you’ve got to stick to some rules to keep the place safe and beautiful. Camping’s only allowed in designated areas along the road.
You can’t set up camp just anywhere. The maximum stay is 14 days within a 30-day period.
After that, you’ll need to move at least 25 miles away before coming back. This helps protect the land from overuse.
Sometimes, open fires aren’t allowed if the weather’s bad or it’s too dry. Always check the current fire danger before lighting anything.
If fires are okay, use the established fire rings—don’t just make your own. It’s safer and less damaging.
You’ve got to pack out all your trash. Follow the Leave No Trace principles. Don’t leave garbage behind; nobody wants to camp in someone else’s mess.
Bring every bit of waste with you. It’s the only way the area stays clean.
Pets can come along, but they have to stay on a leash. You’ll need to clean up after them too.
This is for the safety of wildlife and everyone camping nearby. There’s no running water or hookups out here.
You’ll need to bring your own water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. Basically, you’re camping off-grid—be ready for that.
Respect quiet hours, which usually run from 10 PM to 6 AM. Keep the noise down so you don’t bother other campers or the wildlife.
Stick to these rules, and Dalton Canyon Road NM boondocking location stays a great spot for everyone. Isn’t that worth a little extra effort?
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Near Water | RV Parking Tent Camping Hiking Wildlife Viewing Photography Stargazing |
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