[4] Located at the intersection of U.S. Route 60 and New Mexico State Road 12, Datil is on the edge of the Cibola National Forest.

[6] The driveway, which had wells spaced every ten miles along its length, was used by ranchers during the late 19th to mid-20th century as they drove cattle from Springerville, Arizona, to the railroad at Magdalena.

The state highway continues past the local landmark Horse Mountain, a 9,490-foot (2,890 m) peak,[9] and further through the small town Apache Creek until reaching the county seat of Reserve.

U.S. 60 travels westward from Datil, passing northwest through the Cibola National Forest and coming out the other side just outside Pie Town.

[11] The district operates Datil Elementary School, a two-room schoolhouse with multi-level classes.