Drives New Mexico Southern New Mexico
Highway 35: Mimbres Valley
NM 35 · San Lorenzo → NM-15 junction
The drive
NM 35 runs north from San Lorenzo, where NM 152 crosses the Mimbres River, up the Mimbres Valley through the village of Mimbres. It ends where it meets NM 15, before the section of NM 15 with no center line.
The National Park Service points larger vehicles this way: for vehicles over 20 feet, it suggests US 180, NM 152 and NM 35 rather than the first 25 miles of NM 15. From the junction it is about 20 more miles to the Gila Cliff Dwellings visitor center. NM 35 is part of the Trail of the Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway.
Along the way
- San Lorenzo (NM-152)
- Mimbres
- NM-15 junction
Good to know
- NM 35 avoids the more difficult sections of NM 15, according to the National Park Service.
- From the NM 15 junction it is about 20 miles to the visitor center.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Gila National Forest: conditions and alerts.
Questions about this drive
How long does Highway 35 through the Mimbres Valley take?
NM 35 from San Lorenzo to the NM 15 junction is 26.6 miles and takes about 45 min.
Is NM 35 the better way to the Gila Cliff Dwellings for RVs?
For vehicles over 20 feet, the National Park Service recommends NM 35 rather than the first 25 miles of NM 15.
Where does Highway 35: Mimbres Valley start and end?
This drive starts at San Lorenzo (NM-152) and ends at NM-15 junction, 26.6 miles in all.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.