NM 179's southern terminus is at NM 51 in Truth or Consequences, and the northern terminus is at NM 195 northeast of Truth or Consequences.

NM 179 was first established in the mid-1930s in Lincoln County.

NM 179 now carries NM 195 through traffic since the road over the Elephant Butte Dam was closed in 2001.

Prior to the closing of the dam, it carried westbound NM 195 through traffic when one-way traffic over the dam was permitted.

[2] The entire route is in Sierra County.