Stay left on 239. Up to here the road was mostly gravel and in decent shape. After the gate, the road becomes noticeably worse. From here on in it's slow going. 4wd is nice but not necessary.
High clearance is suggested.
I would hesitate to take a passenger car. On the day I went this road was closed to vehicles, so I had to park and walk in, meaning an extra mile each way. I also came on day 2 of the elk hunting season, and I met numerous hunters out and about. The hike up Alejandro is pretty easy and straightforward. I approached it along its prominent NW ridge, which completely avoids any bushwhacking.