The route is paved for its entire length, in contrast to some other state highways in northern New Mexico.

As it exits town, it narrows down to two lanes and it then passes by the Los Alamos Airport, running parallel with its runway.

It then reaches a junction with NM 4 at an interchange before continuing east with five lanes through the spectacular canyon/mesa country of the Pajarito Plateau.

The route becomes a four-lane road and then crosses over the Rio Grande beside the historic Otowi Bridge.

Prior to 2007, the speed limit along the stretch from San Ildefonso Pueblo and Pojoaque Valley High School was 65 mph.