NM 597 begins at a T-intersection with US 160 in extreme northwestern San Juan County. Traveling northwesterly, the two-lane highway passes through desert terrain to its northern terminus at a toll booth. After passing the toll booth, the road becomes 4 Corners Road,[2] that leads up to Four Corners Monument.[3] The highway's posted speed limit is 15 miles per hour (24 km/h).
The highway is the second shortest highway in New Mexico; the shortest is NM 446 at 0.250 miles (402 m).[1]