Its northern terminus is near the Very Large Array at U.S. Route 60 (US 60) between the towns of Magdalena to the east and Datil to the west.

For much of its length, it is running west of the two southern sections of the Magdalena District of Cibola National Forest, as well as running east of Gila National Forest.

For approximately 30 miles or so nearest to its southern terminus, it runs east from Winston, NM.

For the two miles nearest to the southern terminus, the road is also designated NM 181 (near the Truth or Consequences Municipal Airport).

Geographic data related to New Mexico State Road 52 at OpenStreetMap