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Pecos Canyon: NM-63, Sangre de Cristo Mountains, New Mexico
Photo: Kent G. Budge · CC0

Drives New Mexico Santa Fe, Taos and Northern New Mexico

Pecos Canyon: NM-63

NM 63, Panther Parkway · Pecos → Terrero

Twisty13.2 mi25 min1,400 ft climbHigh point ≈ 7,800 ftOne way
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The drive

NM 63 follows the Pecos River north from the village of Pecos into the Santa Fe National Forest. The two-lane road is narrow and winding between forested walls, and the river runs alongside most of the way. Fishing access sites, day-use areas and campgrounds line the road, managed by the Forest Service and New Mexico State Parks.

The drive ends at Terrero, where the historic Tererro General Store stands. About six miles up from Pecos, the Upper Dalton fishing access is one of the first stops. Past Terrero the road continues toward Cowles and the Pecos Wilderness trailheads.

It is 13.2 miles and about 24 minutes, a short canyon drive from the Santa Fe side.

Along the way

  1. Pecos
  2. Terrero
Elevation
1,400 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 7,800 ft
PecosTerrero
Curves
Mostly moderate, with three twisty stretches
PecosTerrero
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Anglers older than 18 need a valid fishing or hunting license or a Gaining Access Into Nature permit on state-owned canyon land; there are no license vendors in the canyon and phone coverage is spotty.
  • The road is narrow with bends and the river close beside it, so take it slowly.
  • Santa Fe National Forest posts area and trail closures from past wildfires, so check its alerts page before heading to trailheads.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Santa Fe National Forest alerts.

Questions about this drive

How long does Pecos Canyon on NM 63 take?

Pecos Canyon on NM 63 from Pecos to Terrero is 13.2 miles and takes about 24 minutes.

Can you fish along Pecos Canyon NM 63?

Yes. The Forest Service and State Parks run fishing access sites off NM 63. Buy a license beforehand, because there are no license vendors in the canyon.

Is NM 63 through Pecos Canyon twisty?

Yes. NM 63 is a narrow, winding two-lane road between forested canyon walls beside the Pecos River.

What you get in the app

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More drives near here

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Pecos Canyon: NM-63, from Pecos to Terrero