This section of 1930s pavement was bypassed in the early 1950s and is being reclaimed by desert plants like the yucca. Only a single lane of this diagonal shortcut still exists. The sides have been eaten away by erosion and vegetation.

WARNING: New Mexico's official guide and map indicates the Cuervo Cutoff is still a usable road--and it is NOT. Only a four-wheel drive vehicle with high-clearance might get through, and even that is doubtful because of large washouts.

A hunk of the tar-and-stone concoction making up the road surface (similar to a chocolate-chip cookie) has broken loose and rests just right of the yucca.