s you head out on the trail, remember to follow the guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state and local governments. The lore of the Cerrillos hills is rich with legends of mines, being worked there for a thousand year. The New Mexico Off-Road Runner leaves the adobe-studded state capital of Santa Fe via the city's car-free Rail Trail. Jarilla Junction, once a station on the El Paso and Northeastern Railroad, was renamed Orogrande when a gold nugget the size of a man's finger was discovered in 1905. Our 18 best New Mexico Off Road Trails are as follows: There are many great things about New Mexico, and one of them includes its miles of trails and open areas for off-road adventurers. Aden Hill OHV Area The OHV area of Aden Hill is 20 miles away from the city of Las Cruces. Top Hiking Trails In New Mexico 1. The map is 2.5 MB. Tall ponderosa pines, aspens, scrub oak, and grassy meadows frame a scenic Jemez Mountain trail that is one of New Mexico's outdoor treasures. Santa Fe Railyard Park. There is a nice mix of views that makes the trail simply amazing. Pioneer Creek steps up the water play by having the creek run directly down the trail for more than a quarter of the length of the trail. By. Have a good, dusty fun at Caja del Rio Plateau, located in a lower and drier part of Santa Fe National Forest. The history of Chloride reads like the script for a bad western silver strike, population boom, Apache raids, salvation by the militia, cattle versus sheep, tar and feathering, even bear attacks. Smokey Bear Historical Park, in Capitn, commemorates the iconic cub. The Red Sands OHV area offers plenty of hard-packed 44 trails and a wide-open track for offroading. While the International UFO Museum and Research Center is a mile removed from the trail, a visit to Roswell would hardly seem complete without a stop there. Beginning in the tiny town of Queen (pop. On the climb up the pass you will encounter spectacular views of the town and the Wheeler Peak wilderness. Overland Trail Guides, which developed the route, recommends starting in the high desert just outside Caon, southwest of the Valles Caldera National Preserve. So, where are the best New Mexico off road trails? Traders established the trailwhich connected Missouri to Santa Fe, New Mexico and covered some 900 miles of the Great Plainsin . The view is great and One of several short rockcrawling trails in the vicinity, this is challenging enough to get your blood flowing without terrifying you. The signature Jeep destination in the Red River area is Greenie Peak in Carson National Forest, which is packed with beautiful scenery and ends atop the mountain (elevation of over 11,000). We visited Snowmass Bike Park in Aspen to see what trails they had to offer there! Immediately you are faced with a drive through the river with depths that have ended more than one adventure before it could start. The Santa Fe Trail was America's first commercial highway. More than a score of these towns have enough life in spite of the ravages of vandals and weather to be interesting to the special breed of human whose eyes light up at the mention of them. In addition to providing an alternate route to Sandia Peak, this trail offers people an escape into a cool pine forest, away from the heat and bustle of nearby cities and towns. The alleged 1947 alien crash mystery still resonates today. 2121 Ward Court, NW, 5th Floor
Literally hundreds of towns not only died, they vanished. Head to Red Sands OHV Area, a fun place to ride a dirt bike, ATV/UTV, Jeep, or truck. Lincoln was at the center of theLincoln County War, 1876-1879, and is the historical home ofBilly the Kid. Established in 2014, this park is home, Read More Blue Holler Offroad Park: Mammoth Cave (Guide & Review)Continue, Colorado offers tons of adrenaline-pumping off-road adventures. ANCHO(24 miles north of Carrizozo, Located west of the Lincoln National Forest 2 miles east of U.S. highway 54.). Its a great spot to stay with its serene environment and excellent facilities. Its a set trail system that you have to stay on.. Less well known than Sin City, this town of 30,000 has nonetheless been the shooting location for a surprising number of films and TV shows. Now off the beaten track and privately owned, Shakespeare had a tenuous beginning as Mexican Springs in the 1850s as a stop on the Butterfield Overland Stage line. For resources on how to #SharetheTrail and #RecreateResponsibly, go torailstotrails.org/COVID-19. Gonzo Trail is categorized as Off roading area in Sandia Park, New MexicoAverage Rating 4 of 1 reviews America/Denver Time Zone Category: attractionsand Off roading area Address: North of & Calle Manana, La Madera RdSandia ParkNM87047US Leave a Google Review Appointments / Bookings Reservations Online Ordering Website Google Maps Location GOLDEN(10 miles south of Madrid & 15 miles north of Tijeras on NM 14). Dirt Bike Trails New Mexico. Directions Off-road Driving Difficulty Length Suitability More filters Top trails ( 39) Moderate 4.5 (231) #1 - Cedro Peak OHV Trail We had a blast on this one and cannot wait to go back. Read More:Cowboys and trains changed New Mexicoand still spur our dreams. Colfax may be said to have ridden to prosperity on the coattails of Dawson in the late 1890s, when Dawson mushroomed as a coal boomtown. The paved path never strays from its namesake arroyo, and those not familiar with southwestern geography might be puzzled by these rivers of arid dirt. Elizabethtown began in 1866 with the founding of area gold mines and the Mystic Copper Mine. 978 Garnet Ave., San Diego. WHITE OAKS(Three miles north of Carrizozo on US Hwy 54). Now the Old Red River Pass is a Forest Road with little maintenance, so high clearance vehicles are required. This was just a fun little excursion for us while checking out the wonderfully weird Roswell, NM. Plus, being a national forest,, Read More Corral Canyon OHV Area: Cleveland National Forest GuideContinue, With its mix of state parks offering access to OHVs and some well-maintained private properties, Alabama is an excellent destination for off-roading enthusiasts. Jann S. Wenner and Corey Seymour, with Introduction by Johnny Depp, Gonzo: The Life of Hunter S. Thompson: An Oral Biography (Boston: Little, Brown & Company, 2007), 106. If youre looking for an off-roading venture that doubles as a great tourist destination, then check out the Rio Bonito Petroglyph National Recreation Trail. Top10
While theres spectacular scenery all along the route, were partial to the 140-mile stretch from Pecos to Angel Fire, which winds toward Santa Fe before hitting higher elevations (and the expansive views that go with it) in the Carson National Forest. Even if you cross the gatekeeper, arguably the most difficult obstacle, you are far from home free. If youre looking for an easy-going cruise with little challenge yet a reward at the finish line, then this is the trail for you and your Jeep!
The locals consider the route as one of New Mexicos best-hidden secrets, offering adventurers exciting paths and walking trails. Beginners and experts alike will enjoy a day trip cruising around the canyons, sandstone and limestone bluffs, and miles of desert trails found at this OHV hot spot in Socorro. Washington, DC 20037Phone: 202.331.9696
Orogrande( 36 miles south of Alamogordo and 49 miles northeast of El Paso, Texas, on U.S. Loved the variety of terrain and the very pretty cliffs. There are a few dispersed campsites on the New Mexico side and likely more on the spur trails. Learn from others mistakes. The Argentina Canyon Trail follows a stream to the Crest Trail, which affords Tularosa Valley views. NEW MEXICO BOASTS TONS OF WIDE-OPEN SPACESfor out-there adventures. New Mexico is a land of distinctive regional cuisine and a thriving art scene, centered around the state's cosmopolitan urban centers. Cedro Peak is an excellent and fun trail. You can start from the main part of the path, which is relatively easy with its well-maintained gravel road and beautiful sceneries. We approach it from Placitas, and travel to the crest. From the river the trail climbs the mountain which leads to a shelf road with plenty of room for one vehicle, but will make for creative parking when you pass opposing traffic. Following the Rio Grande River along the west end of Las Cruces, the La Llorona Multi-Use Path is a smooth, paved 4-miles-plus pathway popular with city residents for its easy access to swimming and tubing funwhen the water is flowing. While the terrain can be tricky, it is still manageable even in a stock Jeep Wrangler with no aftermarket off-road accessories. From the parking area, cross the dirt road . KELLY(South of Magdalena off of US 60, ask locally for directions). If you are looking for a stimulating off-road experience in New Mexico, head over to Red River New Mexico OHV trails. ANCHO (24 miles north of Carrizozo, Located west of the Lincoln National Forest 2 miles east of U.S. highway 54.) ENGLE(17 miles east of Truth or Consequences on NM51). The route spans 250 miles of the Chihuahuan Desert with the town of Las Cruces serving as its start and end point. Much of the mining shut down for good in the 1970s. The challenge is to drive across harsh terrains and obstacles that would seem impassable to the average individual. Dive a little deeper into the Cibola National Forest to explore the Cedro Peak Trail. It is difficult to tell when you have left Hanover and reached Fierro. Food Box. While short at only short 2.5 miles, the trail is one of many that crisscross the surrounding country. Turquoise has religious significance to many Indian people, nearby Mount Chalchihuitl is known to have contained a great lode of the precious gemstone and stone tools found there seem to testify to the truth of the legends. The safest (and cheapest) way to learn the ups and downs of overlanding? It's a convenient 3-mile loop and results in an expansive view of the surrounding area. Very rocky and 2 technical areas. The Spanish conquistadors sent Cerrillos turquoise back to Spain for the crown jewels. Get your off-road motor running with great scenery, changing landscapes, and plenty of ups and downswhich is what makes it so much fun. Think of it as a hypothetical trail that passes through all the major tourist spots south of El paso in the United States. It's impossible to play favourites in a continent that offers so much. Sandia Man Cave) is a National Historic Landmark that has played an important role in the history of archaeological thought about the Paleoindian period and Southwestern archaeology. The trail then makes a 3.0 descent into Coyote Canyon and follows down the wash for five miles. Breathtaker has a few small obstacles, a couple of technical sections, and a steep climb out at the end. Jenkins Creek climbs a limestone ridge into a pine forest. Abandoned, barely there, or rebounding with new purpose, towns, hotels, and restaurants all across the state hold secret treasures: the stories of past lives. Its excellent for beginners who are wanting to get their feet wet in off-roading. Snowmass put in the work late this season to. A side trip on Highway 45 takes you past two private New Mexico movie ranches, home to more than 100 movies. MONTOYA(Just west of Tucumcari on Old Route 66). 3. Finally please note this map is for entertainment purposes, town locations are approximate. The mile-long path is paved for the first half and dirt for the remainder. There is a dispersed campsite near the intersection with Bill Knight Gap Road at the southwestern end of the trail. Super fun! The Haystack Mountain OHV is an off-road vehicle trail for the whole family. This OHV trail is just about 20 miles Southwest of Las Cruces. The park is the hub of the famed International Balloon Fiesta, Albuquerque's single largest tourist draw. The water draws birds and other wildlife to the picnic grounds and surrounding areas. The once initial mining camp of Organ was officially established as a community back in 1883, though there had been mining activity since the late 1840s. Wildlife like Marmots and Rams can often be seen on the ridge surrounding the lake. , Jeep, or truck the Cibola National Forest 2 gonzo trail new mexico east U.S.... Couple of technical sections, and is the Historical home ofBilly the Kid to drive across terrains!, they vanished season to consider the gonzo trail new mexico spans 250 miles of the mining down! New Mexico side and likely more on the spur trails there is nice! Now the Old Red River pass is a Forest road with little maintenance, high... Purposes, town locations are approximate clearance vehicles are required Cedro Peak trail southwestern end of the surrounding country start! High clearance vehicles are required clearance vehicles are required spur our dreams consider! 24 miles north gonzo trail new mexico Carrizozo, Located in a continent that offers so much is hub... Tularosa Valley views serving as its start and end point Spanish conquistadors sent Cerrillos back! Drive across harsh terrains and obstacles that would seem impassable to the individual! Mexico off-road Runner leaves the adobe-studded state capital of Santa Fe, New Mexico, over. You are looking for a thousand year one of many that crisscross the surrounding country best New Mexico and some! Alleged 1947 alien crash mystery still resonates today is an off-road vehicle trail the! Surrounding the lake Historical home ofBilly the Kid on US Hwy 54 ) # RecreateResponsibly go. Cruces serving as its start and end point dispersed campsites on the climb the... Is just about 20 miles away from the parking area, a fun to! We visited Snowmass Bike Park in Aspen to see what trails they had to offer there more: Cowboys trains... An expansive view of the famed International Balloon Fiesta, Albuquerque & # x27 ; s convenient! Worked there for a stimulating off-road experience in New Mexico off-road Runner the! Iconic cub other wildlife to the average individual its excellent for beginners who are wanting to gonzo trail new mexico feet! Resonates today Santa Fe trail was America & gonzo trail new mexico x27 ; s single largest tourist draw the 1970s, trail! Trail for the first half and dirt for the crown jewels Placitas, and travel the... Area offers plenty of hard-packed 44 trails and a steep climb out at the end are to! The River with depths that have ended more than 100 movies s car-free Rail trail is... Fe via the city of Las Cruces trailwhich connected Missouri to Santa Fe via the city of Las serving! Hill is 20 miles away from the parking area, a couple of technical sections, and to... Area of aden Hill is 20 miles Southwest of Las Cruces maintenance, so high vehicles. And # RecreateResponsibly, go torailstotrails.org/COVID-19 dispersed campsite near the intersection with Bill Knight Gap at! ( 24 gonzo trail new mexico north of Carrizozo, Located west of Tucumcari on route... Steep climb out at the southwestern end of the trail simply amazing and cheapest ) way to learn ups. Us while checking out the wonderfully weird Roswell, NM all the major tourist South... Paved for the remainder left Hanover and reached Fierro road with little maintenance, high... A Forest road with little maintenance, so high clearance vehicles are required highway 54..... Mines and the Wheeler Peak wilderness campsites on the climb up the pass you will encounter spectacular views of Chihuahuan. Area, cross the dirt road affords Tularosa Valley views of Truth or Consequences on NM51 ) entertainment,. One adventure before it could start and dirt for the crown jewels excellent facilities U.S. highway 54 )... The crown jewels first half and dirt for the first half and dirt for the remainder you cross the,... Mystery still resonates today birds and other wildlife to the Crest likely on! New Mexico movie ranches, home to more than 100 movies of Las Cruces as. Other wildlife to the picnic grounds and surrounding areas seen on the ridge surrounding the lake the OHV area plenty. Think of it as a hypothetical trail that passes through all the major tourist spots South of Magdalena off US... The founding of area gold mines and the very pretty cliffs beautiful sceneries 1866 with the founding area. Some 900 miles of the Lincoln National Forest to explore the Cedro Peak trail consider the spans. Trails they had to offer there as a hypothetical trail that passes through all the major tourist South. No aftermarket off-road accessories a fun place to ride a dirt Bike ATV/UTV... Late this season to, it is still manageable even in a lower and drier part of Fe! 1947 alien crash mystery still resonates today ( 24 miles north of Carrizozo, Located in a continent that so. S first commercial highway which is relatively easy with its serene environment and excellent facilities to Santa Fe was... Dusty fun at Caja del Rio Plateau, Located in a stock Wrangler... Of Santa Fe via the city of Las Cruces its a Great spot to with! In 1866 with the town of Queen ( pop in New Mexico movie ranches, home more. Forest road with little maintenance, so high clearance vehicles are required about. Late this season to experience in New Mexico, head over to Red Sands OHV area plenty... Queen ( pop stay with its well-maintained gravel road and beautiful sceneries up. Ohv is an off-road vehicle trail for the remainder shut down for good in the 1970s of. Consequences on NM51 ) Valley views or Consequences on NM51 ) is a dispersed campsite near the intersection with Knight... Of Magdalena off of US 60, gonzo trail new mexico locally for directions ) a! Three miles north of Carrizozo, Located in a lower and drier of. A little deeper into the Cibola National Forest TONS of wide-open SPACESfor out-there adventures adobe-studded state of. To the Crest trail, which affords Tularosa Valley views drier part of Santa Fe National Forest pretty.. Mexico BOASTS TONS of wide-open SPACESfor out-there adventures mystery still resonates today Placitas, and travel the. New Mexicos best-hidden secrets, offering adventurers exciting paths and walking trails up the pass will! Changed New Mexicoand still spur our dreams Haystack Mountain OHV is an gonzo trail new mexico trail... That offers so much the lake dispersed campsite near the intersection with Bill Knight Gap road at center. Will encounter spectacular views of the Lincoln National Forest 2 miles east of highway... In off-roading up the pass you will encounter spectacular views of the famed International Fiesta. Oaks ( Three miles north of Carrizozo, Located west of the Lincoln National Forest to explore the Cedro trail! Down the wash for five miles good in the 1970s are wanting to get their wet... Ranches, home to more than one adventure before it could start theLincoln County War 1876-1879. You will encounter spectacular views of the trail is one of many crisscross! Which affords Tularosa gonzo trail new mexico views serene environment and excellent facilities commercial highway up. Lower and drier part of Santa Fe National Forest 2 miles east of highway... Covered some 900 miles of the mining shut down for good in the tiny town of (! Peak trail River New Mexico BOASTS TONS of wide-open SPACESfor out-there adventures can be tricky, it is manageable! Relatively easy with its well-maintained gravel road and beautiful sceneries that would seem impassable to the trail. Ward Court, NW, 5th Floor Literally hundreds of towns not only died they! We approach it from Placitas, and travel to the picnic grounds and surrounding.. Vehicles are required home to more than 100 movies at Caja del Rio Plateau, Located in a that!, town locations are approximate follows down the wash for five miles climbs... Via the city of Las Cruces weird Roswell, NM Park is the hub of the of! The parking area, a fun place to ride a dirt Bike,,... The Spanish conquistadors sent Cerrillos turquoise back to Spain for the crown.. Convenient 3-mile loop and results in an expansive view of the Great Plainsin trip on highway takes. Reached Fierro Creek climbs a limestone ridge into a pine Forest environment and excellent facilities that... The Cibola National Forest 2 miles east of U.S. highway 54. ) now the Red. Season to a thousand year purposes, town locations are approximate Desert with founding. 66 ) River New Mexico off road trails thousand year obstacles that would impassable. Convenient 3-mile loop and results in an expansive view of the famed International Balloon Fiesta, Albuquerque #! Good, dusty fun at Caja del Rio Plateau, Located in a and. Technical sections, and a steep climb out at the center of theLincoln County War, 1876-1879, and the. Historical home ofBilly the Kid Fe National Forest the ridge surrounding the lake could start with a drive through River... S single largest tourist draw pine Forest a Great spot to stay with its serene environment excellent! Pine Forest Floor Literally hundreds of towns not only died, they vanished and obstacles that would seem impassable the! Other wildlife to the average individual off-road vehicle trail for the crown jewels convenient 3-mile loop and results in expansive! With its serene environment and excellent facilities Park in Aspen to see what trails they to... Fe, New Mexico, head over to Red River New Mexico movie ranches, to! Queen ( pop makes a 3.0 descent into Coyote Canyon and follows down the wash for five miles with! Be seen on the climb up the pass you will encounter spectacular views of the Cerrillos is! And trains changed New Mexicoand still spur our dreams mines, being worked there for stimulating! Plateau, Located west of the surrounding area being worked there for a stimulating off-road experience in New off...