Chuska Mountains

The Chuska Mountains are the highest, most heavily forested range on the Navajo Nation, running 80 miles along the New Mexico–Arizona border with peaks rising 9,000+ feet. Red rock and green pine create a striking visual contrast that defines the Chuska Mountains.

What to Do

The main attraction is driving Narbona Pass, where paved NM/Navajo Route 134 climbs to 8,721 feet through dense ponderosa and aspen forest between Sheep Springs and Crystal, with pullouts for photos and views back over the basin. The pass is also a historic site, named for the 1835 battle between Navajo forces and a Mexican military expedition. Beyond the road, the range has backcountry hiking, fishing, and camping. All of it is on Navajo Nation land however, and non-Navajo need a Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation permit before leaving the highway.

How Much Time to Spend

A half day covers the scenic drive with stops at the overlooks. Plan a full day, or an overnight, if you’ve arranged a permit to hike, fish, or camp.

Getting There

Reach NM 134 from US 491 at Sheep Springs, about 30 miles south of the town of Shiprock, and head west. The highway is paved and well maintained but climbs with tight switchbacks, so take it slow. Snow closes or complicates the pass from roughly November through March. Unpaved forest roads branching off the highway require good clearance and become impassable when wet. There are no services on the mountain, so fuel up beforehand.

The Chuskas are quiet because reaching their interior takes planning and tribal permission, which helps to keep the range wild. For a scenic mountain drive however, Narbona Pass needs no paperwork!