NM 572 begins at a
T intersection with NM 531 and CR 340, just east of the
Rio Chama on the west side of the
unincorporated community of La Puente. (CR 340 heads northeasterly, paralleling the Rio Chama, towards
Los Ojos. NM 531 heads easterly towards
Tierra Amarilla.) From its southern terminus NM 572 proceeds southwest as a
dirt road down the east
bank of the Rio Chama before turning northeasterly to
ford the river and entering the unincorporated community of
Plaza Blanca. Roughly west of the river NM 572 reaches
asphalt pavement and turns briefly west, before turning north. About later it turns northwest and quickly reaches its northern terminus at a T intersection with NM 95 on the western edge of Plaza Blanca. (NM 95 heads east towards
Los Ojos and west towards the north end of
El Vado Lake State Park.) Following the extension of NM 95 west from
Rutheron in 1969, the state has not maintained the river crossing (nor the adjacent sections of dirt road) along NM 572. Therefore, the ford of the Rio Chama is likely impassable. ==Major intersections==