NM 3 begins at its intersection with US 54 in the unincorporated community of Duran.

The road travels first in a northwest and then a primarily northern direction for about 14.5 miles (23.3 km) until its junction with US 285 and US 60 in Encino.

The road then continues north for 25.5 miles (41.0 km) through largely uninhabited areas to its junction with Interstate 40 (I-40).

This segment passes through Villanueva State Park, where the road briefly follows the Pecos River.

Geographic data related to New Mexico State Road 3 at OpenStreetMap