The route traverses four counties: Colfax, Mora, Harding, and Union, and is the longest state road in New Mexico.

[2] Passing the south end of Ocate Mesa, the road heads southeast and at mile marker 12 the surface becomes paved again.

[3] After mile marker 12, the road continues southeastward passing the unpaved Los Le Febres turnoff on the right (to the west).

[2] Ten miles (16 km) out of Naranjos, the road passes the 7,000 feet (2,100 m) in elevation, La Chata Crater, on the left (NE).

[5] Crossing the Canadian River bridge the road enters Harding County and then heads north-northeast about 8 miles (13 km) into the town of Roy.