New Mexico Trails

Some of the finest mountain scenery in the southwest is found in the 1.6-million-acre Santa Fe National Forest, and wheeling on Lake Fork Canyon is a great way to enjoy it. Tall ponderosa pines, aspens, scrub oak, and grassy meadows frame a scenic Jemez Mountain trail that is one of New Mexico's outdoor treasures. As the trail starts out at the historic Gilman Tunnels, the Rio Guadalupe runs alongside the east side of the trail and offers trout fishing adjacent to numerous parking turnouts and picnicking sites. As the trail runs through Lake Fork Canyon in the north, the Rio Cebolla runs along its east side. The Jemez Mountains are very important to the Native American people of the Jemez Pueblo. The Walatowa Visitor Center located near Jemez Pueblo on State Highway 4 is a great way to learn about the rich culture of the area.

Apache has many different surfaces and conditions across its nearly 44 miles, traveling through the Rio Grande and Carson National Forests along the edge of the Cruces Basin Wilderness. The trail is easy and well-maintained for roughly 25 miles from Highway 285 to the Lagunitas Creek Fishing area. After that point, the trail roughens considerably with rockier surfaces, areas of ruts, and even a large mud pit at roughly mile 29. See the Hardest Part photo. Trail conditions vary from the Lagunitas Creek Fishing area to the Colorado state line, where FR87 becomes FR117 and returns to a well-maintained dirt road.

Dispersed camping is plentiful along this trail, with most campsites being large enough for multiple vehicles. This area is popular among hunters in the Fall. Do not be surprised to see camper trailers, SxSs, and ATVs during this time. The trail on the Colorado side (FR117) is a seasonal road open 05/17-02/29. It is closed in the spring for elk calving season.

On the Highway 285 side, your nearest services are the tiny town of Tres Piedras with the Tres Piedras Ranger Station, post office, and Chili Line Depot restaurant, but no fuel station. At the northern end, travel east on Highway 17 to Horca, CO, and visit the Red Bear Haus for a general store, food and beer, and other services. Overall, your nearest fuel is Antonito, CO, or Chama, NM.

Silver Spring, FR162, is a dirt road that winds through Lincoln Nation Forest near the small mountain town of Cloudcroft. The west portion is just over 6,600 feet in elevation and is primarily a graded gravel road with great views of the desert and valleys below. There are a couple of camping spots in this section.

The forest becomes denser in the central and eastern portions, with more opportunities for camping. The trail gains elevation towards the east end, peaking at over 8,700 feet. 

There are no significant obstacles other than the possibility of snow or mud, depending on the season. Several other trails connect to FR 162, including a fire tower overlook on the east side. If camping, there are parcels of private land with signage dotted along this trail. 

Camping spot on the west side: (32.97571, -105.82628)

Over a million years ago, a volcano in present-day New Mexico erupted with a force over 300 times the 1980 Mount Saint Helens eruption. Ash fell as far away as present-day Utah. The eruption resulted in a huge caldera, the sunken center of a volcano. Humans since the Paleolithic period have valued this unique high-elevation area of cinder cones and massive prairies. The Ancestral Puebloans referred to the area as the Bear's Paw based on the arrangement of the cinder cones and valleys.

Established in 2000, Valles Caldera National Preserve protects this 88,900-acre unique ecosystem. Visitors are welcome to the front portion of the Preserve in Valle Grande. Most visitors enjoy viewing large elk herds from the many pullouts along Highway 4. New Mexico's elk were hunted out. Imported Rocky Mountain elk now thrive in the Preserve. A mile beyond the visitor center, the cabin area includes ranch houses and hunting lodges from the land's previous users. One cabin was used in the Longmire TV series. Though the program was supposedly set in Wyoming, the rustic cabin and forever views of Valles Caldera were used as Sherrif Walt Longmire.

A limited number of daily backcountry permits available through Recreation.gov allow driving into the stunning backcountry of the preserve. Anglers snag most permits hoping to outwit a wily Longnosedace in San Antonio Creek or the other beautiful brooks winding through open alpine meadows. The easy dirt road winds north through hills dotted with Gunnisson's prairie dog towns and across meadows full of Rocky Mountain Iris. In the far north of the Preserve, the road forks going west to Valle San Antonio and eastward to Valle Toledo. The San Antonio cabin evokes an idyllic cowboy lifestyle. Old ranch roads are closed and are now used as hiking trails to get even deeper into this fantastic landscape.

Camping is not allowed in the Preserve. Jemez Falls Campground is popular and close by. Dispersed camping is permitted along nearby FR 287 in the Santa Fe National Forest.

Three Mile Canyon, FR 228, runs 10 miles through the Sacramento Mountains.  It is a straight-through trail that connects US Highway 82 with Carr Gap Canyon, FR607. 

Most of the southern portion is in a wooded forest, while the northeastern end is rolling hills and valleys. Three Mile Canyon is an ungraded dirt road that may have deep mud holes and ruts with no bypass after significant rain or snow. Cattle freely roam throughout the area with multiple unlocked gates. 

There are several spur trails and roads to explore and plentiful dispersed campsites.

In the Lincoln National Forest, Carr Gap Canyon, FR607, is a gravel road that twists through the Sacramento Mountains. There are endless mountain and valley views along the narrow, windy road. 

There aren’t any difficult sections other than the possibility of weather. Carr Gap Canyon has many offshoot roads and trails for further exploration. 

There are multiple opportunities for camping along this road. 

Dispersed campsites:

1. (32.94990, -105.47080)
2. (32.95263, -105.46906)
3. (32.96658, -105.50075)

Nestled in the Coyote Hills between the Quebradas Backcountry Byway and Johnson Hill Road, lies a narrow one-mile passage known as Coyote Canyon. Flood waters from area rains follow this groove in the Earth from ATV Pass down to the Arroyo del Coyote, giving life to the many juniper trees and other flora found here. The trail makes for a challenging drive but it is quite scenic and secluded. It's also a great choice for some hiking, rock hunting, camping, or photography. In addition to amazing exposed geological features and beautiful landscapes in Coyote Canyon, there are countless nearby opportunities to offroad at varying degrees of technical difficulty, making this area a 4WD paradise.

T West Road runs north to south through the broad New Mexico desert. It's an easy graded road with scenic views in most directions. However, the real reason for driving this dirt road is that it connects the paved highway to the trail leading to Roswell UFO Crash Site. The alleged 1947 alien crash mystery still resonates today. Don your tinfoil hat and head on out.

Wheeling in the arroyos of the Quebradas near Socorro, New Mexico is as interesting as it is scenic, and it's always different. With powerful flash floods, each rain reconfigures these arid waterways, such that millions of years of geological history lay exposed all around. Just off of the Quebradas Back Country Byway, the trail known as Pucker Falls runs through the lower Amado Canyon, offering a great assortment of challenges and optional lines to try as it traverses sand, boulders, pilings of sedimentary rock, and intimidating vertical rock escarpments. Though rated as a 10 (extreme), the first 2/3 of the trail can be completed in a lightly modified 4x4. The rock hounds in your group will be enthralled by the many geological features of this area, and marine fossils abound for those with an eye for spotting them. Maybe best of all, this trail has enough variety that even the most hardcore rock crawlers in your squad will not be bored!

Laguna Bonita Road is a long haul at 35. It's the main access road across the Cibola National Forest north of Grants, New Mexico. Although the southern half of Laguna Bonita Road is mostly well-maintained dirt, the northern half devolves into a bumpy, cobble surface that rattles your teeth if you don't air down for comfort. Most dispersed camping is located on the southern portion of the trail, although it is worth trying the roads that spur off Laguna Bonita Road to find additional sites. The northern end connects to San Luis Road, where more camping begins to appear. The trail eventually accesses Highway 550.

Venturing out from Arroyo de Los Pinos, Hidden Valley Loop takes you deeper into the badlands surrounding the Quebradas Backcountry Byway near Socorro, NM. There are myriad offroad trails along the Byway, which divides the 6,000-acre Gordy’s Hill Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area from west to east, providing offroad driving challenges for all experience levels and offroad vehicle capabilities. Hidden Valley Loop is notable because it is not only a challenging trail, it's also a route leading to a broad network of increasingly technical Quebradas 4WD trails. If you enjoy the challenge of picking lines and crawling over and through big rock, you will like this trail! The arid desert landscape of the Quebradas is harsh yet beautiful, and it's teeming with life. Moving through the area, bands of red and yellow sandstone, red and purple shale, and white to gray limestone are all exposed in stunning geological features.

Forest Road 133 is an easy, bumpy trail for its 14-mile trek through the Carson National Forest. Spanning the distance between Apache (FR 87) and Highway 64, dispersed camping is plentiful along this trail, with most campsites large enough for multiple vehicles. This area is popular among hunters in the Fall. Do not be surprised to see camper trailers, SxSs, and ATVs during this time.

Although picturesque, this area is quite remote. The nearest basic services are the tiny town of Tres Piedras, with the Tres Piedras Ranger Station, post office, and Chili Line Depot restaurant, but no fuel station. The nearest fuel is north in Antonito, CO, or west on Highway 64 to Tierra Amarilla, NM.

Located at the northern tip of the Chihuahuan Desert, the Southern Robledo Mountains are home to the 100th active U.S. national monument, the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument, and within that, the Robledo Mountains OHV Trail System. Just four short miles northwest of Las Cruces, this network of trails, including extreme OHV and mountain bike trails, is easy to get to and close to all of the conveniences and services of a modern city. The Presidential Staircase trail is a great warmup along the way to some of the more difficult trails in the system. The scene from the top of this moderate climb is a truly spectacular 360-degree view of the area. The OHV areas are separate from the Monument's sensitive fossilized trackway, and motorized vehicle travel is only permitted on designated trails and roads. Official signage for the trails is well and frequently placed, so it's easy to spot. The Monument includes a major deposit of Paleozoic Era fossilized footprint megatrackways containing footprints of numerous amphibians, reptiles, and insects (including previously unknown species), plants, and petrified wood dating back 280 million years.

Boy Scout Road is a bumpy ride up into the New Mexico wilderness. The short trail meets up with a number of hiking trails, including the Captains Peak Trail. The rough road is not seasonal but does have gates in the event of bad weather or known washouts. The end of the trail is gated. Return the way you came.

The Arroyo de Los Pinos Loop is a quick, scenic departure off of the Quebradas Backcountry Byway that will take you within 100 yards or so of the Ojo de Amado Spring, and it provides access to numerous offroading possibilities in the area with varying degrees of difficulty. Driving from the Quebradas road to the arroyo floor (approximately 300 feet below) provides opportunities to take in beautiful panoramic vistas of the region and surrounding mountain ranges. The Quebradas road crosses several arroyos which drain into the Rio Grande and erosion here has created breathtaking and scenic geological settings such as those in the Arroyo de Los Pinos. As one traverses the trail down into the arroyo, the color of the rock and earth are impossible to miss. The red color of these rocks results from the presence of small amounts of iron in the form of hematite, the same mineral that gives the planet Mars its red hue. Moving through the arroyo, bands of red and yellow sandstone, red and purple shale, and white to gray limestone are all exposed. Arroyo de Los Pinos Loop is one of many trails along the Quebradas Backcountry Byway, which divides the 6,000-acre Gordy’s Hill Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area from west to east and provides excellent opportunities for offroad driving, offering challenges for all experience levels and your offroad vehicle’s capabilities.

San Luis Road connects Old State Highway 279 to the Cibola National Forest boundary while traveling through an area that feels like a miniature Valley of the Gods. A handful of dispersed campsites dot the trail, with one providing a direct view into the Chamisa Wilderness Study Area and the beautiful mountains, mesas, and other rock formations. Sunrise and sunset in this area are stunning. Bring your camera. This road crosses through federal Bureau of Land Management land, wilderness study areas, and private parcels, so be sure you know the land boundaries and respect the management or ownership.

Chama Canyon Road, Forest Road 151, is located at the border of the Carson National Forest and the Santa Fe National Forest near the Chama River Canyon Wilderness. The easy 13-mile dirt road traverses a few low-lying areas. While none are prone to flash flooding, two areas along the route would be pretty muddy after a rain or snow melt. Four-wheel drive is not required for this road.

The colorful landscape along this route is breathtaking. Another cool feature is the area where the Rio Chama and the Rio Gallina meet. One river is crystal clear, and the other is murky silt. Below the confluence, they flow side by side with a clear delineation until finally mixing well downstream.

There are several established primitive campgrounds with vault toilets along the trail and quite a few dispersed campsites along the Rio Chama. A quick detour down FR 151U leads to a boat and kayak ramp.

The trail deadends at the Monastery of Christ in the Desert, which welcomes visitors.

Near Socorro, NM and located off of the incredibly scenic Quebradas Backcountry Byway, this segment of Arroyo de Los Pinos is great for employing your driving skills while seeing much more of the area than you could from the Byway above. As you arrive, the color of the rock and earth are impossible to miss due to the presence of hematite, the same mineral that gives the planet Mars its red hue. The first segment of the trail from the Quebradas road to the arroyo floor takes you through a 400-foot elevation change, providing beautiful panoramic vistas of the region and its surrounding mountain ranges. Moving through the arroyo, bands of red and yellow sandstone, red and purple shale, and white to gray limestone are all exposed. There are many trails along the Quebradas Backcountry Byway, which divides the 6,000-acre Gordy’s Hill Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area from west to east, providing offroad driving challenges for all experience levels and offroad vehicle capabilities.

The Minas Del Chupadero (Chupadero Mines) trail is a ruggedly beautiful two-mile trek into the Chihuahuan Desert Scrub of the Quebradas (breaks). The trail crosses multiple arroyos that drain into the Rio Grande River and erosion here has created not only breathtaking and scenic geological exposures, but also some excellent 4WD opportunities. Under BLM purvey, the Quebradas area has many recreational uses including 4WD, OHV, equestrian and bicycle riding, camping, hiking, and photography. There are two nearby wildlife refuges, the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge to the south and the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge to the north, as well as multiple wilderness observation areas along the Quebradas Backcountry Byway. The Magdalena Mountains, Ladrone Mountain, Sandia Mountains, Manzano Mountains, Oscura Mountains, San Andreas Mountains and other features too numerous to list can be seen in the panoramic views from this trail.

The BLM-administered area of the Quebradas (Spanish for "breaks") has 4WD trails ranging in difficulty from mild to wild. Known to local offroaders as a test of driver and vehicle alike, Doug's Dilemma is a challenging trail on the "wild" end of the scale. However, it can still be conquered without a purpose-built rock crawling rig or buggy. Though somewhat technical, requiring experience and a capable high-clearance 4WD vehicle, this is a really fun trail. If you enjoy the challenge of picking the right line while crawling over and through rock, you will like Doug's Dilemma!

Flagstone Road gets its name from when it was a path for folks to head into the Coyote Hills to harvest flagstone, a popular material used in local architecture and landscaping. The 360-degree vistas along this trail are spectacular, and the array of rocks and fossils along the way is endlessly fascinating. Located in the Quebradas, an area known for its striking geological formations, including colorful rock layers, eroded cliffs, and distinctive landforms, Flagstone Road is the perfect trail for getting dirt under your tires and exploring the beauty of the New Mexico desert.

In addition to offroading, the area around the Quebradas Backcountry Byway offers several outdoor activities, including hiking, photography, birdwatching, and geology exploration. The unique rock formations and desert landscapes provide opportunities for both short walks and longer hikes.

The byway takes travelers through a variety of desert landscapes, including badlands, canyons, and arroyos (dry streambeds). The stark beauty of the desert scenery is a highlight of the byway.

La Mosca Peak Look Out is a must-do trail if you are running around the Cibola National Forest north of Grants, New Mexico. The trail travels in a half-loop shape, starting and ending off Laguna Bonita Road. The trail climbs to the La Mosca Peak Look Out and radio towers at 11,036 elevation just below the summit of Mount Taylor. The views from the top of this trail are incredible. Standing at the base of the lookout platform can be almost vertigo-inducing. Although you can climb the stone steps up to the lookout tower's base, the public cannot access the interior or upper level of the tower itself. There are at least six dispersed camping sites of various sizes across the 16 miles of this trail.

The moderate rating is due to sections of steep climbs on the way up to the lookout, with shelf drops posing a higher risk during inclement weather and may feel daunting to novice drivers in good weather. Apart from a short, exposed rock area north of the lookout tower, most of the trail is rough dirt and easily traversed.

Venturing out from the Quebradas Backcountry Byway via Arroyo de Los Pinos and Hidden Valley Loop, the Upper Amado Canyon trail takes you deep into the desert badlands of the Quebradas (Spanish for "breaks") near Socorro, NM. There is a feeling of intense solitude while wheeling this trail, where the only sounds are the rocks beneath your wheels, your vehicle, and the occasional flying insect. The arid desert landscape of the Quebradas is harsh yet beautiful, and it's teeming with life. Moving through the area, bands of red and yellow sandstone, red and purple shale, and white to gray limestone are all exposed in stunning geological features. There are many offroad trails along the Quebradas Backcountry Byway, which divides the 6,000-acre Gordy’s Hill Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area from north to south, providing offroad driving challenges for all experience levels and offroad vehicle capabilities. Upper Amado Canyon is part of a network of moderately technical/difficult 4WD trails concentrated in this section of the Quebradas that can be strung together for an awesome day of wheeling. If you enjoy the challenge of picking lines and a little rock crawling, you will like this trail!

The scenic high mountain desert area near Socorro, NM that is the Quebradas encompasses the 600-acre Gordy's Hill OHV Area, home to dozens of 4WD trails as well as singletrack, hiking, and ATV trails. The area is adjacent to two wilderness study areas and there are two nearby wildlife refuges - the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge to the south and the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge to the north. Also found here is a trail known as Squeeze Canyon, the apex of which is a 100-foot gauntlet between two rock walls, littered with large rocks, that is only slightly wider than a vehicle. Squeeze Canyon is known for the challenge it offers offroad enthusiasts looking to test their skills, their nerve, and their willingness to accept possible vehicle damage. This trail is a delight for drivers who like technically difficult four-wheeling that is still short of extreme. Winding up this narrow, rocky ravine will demand all of a driver's attention, so it may be difficult to take in all of the natural beauty surrounding the trail. Nonetheless, it's worth a try, as millions of years of exposed geological features accent the landscape and despite being in the desert, the flora is magnificent year-round.

One of several major arroyos in the Quebradas area, Arroyo de Los Pinos runs alongside the first six miles of the west end of the Quebradas Backcountry Byway near Socorro, NM. There are many trails along the Byway, which divides the 6,000-acre Gordy’s Hill Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area from west to east, providing offroad driving challenges for all experience levels and offroad vehicle capabilities. Upper Arroyo de Los Pinos is most notable for its increased technical difficulty in driving as compared to some of the other trails in the area. Moving through the arroyo is nonetheless scenic, as bands of red and yellow sandstone, red and purple shale, and white to gray limestone are all exposed in fascinating geological features. The Quebradas are located between two major protected wildlife areas, the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge to the north and Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge to the south.

The BLM-administered areas of the Quebradas have 4WD trails ranging in difficulty from "mild to wild." Known to local offroaders as a test of driver and vehicle alike, Bad Hair Day is one of a handful of trails on the wild end of the scale that can be conquered without a purpose-built rock crawling rig or buggy, and it is a lot of fun to tackle! Getting to this trail takes you well into the ruggedly beautiful badlands of the Quebradas. About 1.5 miles off of the Quebradas Backcountry Byway, portions of two other trails are traversed in order to reach this trail. A popular destination for offroad enthusiasts, one can easily plan a full day or multiple days of wheeling in this area, which is part of the 6,000-acre Gordy’s Hill Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area.

The Edge Canyon Trail starts off from the Quebradas Backcountry Byway near Socorro, NM, where it meets one of several major arroyos in the Quebradas area, Arroyo de Los Pinos. With options in degrees of difficulty along the way, this trail provides challenges for any level of driver but no need to worry - the extreme sections can be bypassed. A rarity in this desert area, many old trees exist at the end of the trail providing a beautiful place to enjoy the beauty of the area. The Quebradas Backcountry Byway bisects the 6,000-acre Gordy’s Hill Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area. The lands here provide many recreational opportunities including offroad driving challenges for all experience levels and vehicle capabilities.

Stinking Springs, FR 191, runs through the Cibola National Forest from Highway 400 to the edge of the Navajo Nation, where it becomes County Road 48. The trail begins in the east as a well-graded forest road with numerous large pine-shaded campsites passing Prewitt Lake and a large open meadow. Moving west, the road deteriorates with deep ruts before plunging off the western side of the Zuni Mountains into Stinking Springs Canyon via a narrow rocky shelf road with one extremely tight switchback turn. The views in the descent are impressive. The lower canyon is tree-lined and lush.

Horace Mesa is an easy dirt trail in the Cibola National Forest north of Grants, New Mexico. Running the half-loop-shaped route, you pass Lobo Canyon Picnic Ground, climb to the mesa edge, intersect with the Continental Divide Trail and Gooseberry Trail, and pass various dispersed campsites along the way. Views from the top of the mesa let you take in the beauty of the ponderosa forest. See if you can find the site featured in the camping photo. It's a gem! Most of the camping is located at the northern end of the trail.

Running through the Cibola National Forest from I-40 to the historic hamlet of McGaffey, Six Mile Canyon passes sandstone bluffs, colorful bentonite hills, and a couple of surprise ponds. Most of the easy trail is in a forest of Ponderosa pines, junipers, and oaks. There are several dispersed campsites near the southern end of the trail.

Nestled in the hills around Amado Canyon, the Granite Canyon trail is a relatively quick and challenging way to get from Squeeze Canyon to Upper Amado Canyon and the southern end of the Chupadero Mine Road (Minas Del Chupadero). It is at the southernmost end of the 600-acre Gordy's Hill OHV Area, where it borders a protected wildlife observation area. This high desert region is known as the Quebradas, and it is home to dozens of 4WD trails as well as singletrack, hiking, and ATV trails. The area is adjacent to two wilderness study areas. There are two nearby wildlife refuges - the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge to the south and the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge to the north. It is also home to innumerable and spectacular geologic exposures. Many of these geologic points of interest have been marked by the Bureau of Land Management with small signs along the nearby Quebradas Backcountry Byway. Geology is also available to those who venture from the trails on foot. Photography, rockhounding, hiking, camping, wildlife watching, hunting, cultural sightseeing, and backcountry vehicle touring are some of the recreation opportunities available on these public lands.

Godzilla is one of the newest rock crawling trails in the Caballo Reservoir area, and it is set as a level 8 for the 2024 Chile Challenge annual offroad event. This is an extremely rugged and technical trail. 37" or larger tire size, modified suspension, front and rear lockers, winch, and recovery gear are all recommended. There are optional 10+ level obstacles, and the possibility of breakage and body damage throughout the trail is genuine.

Located just a mile north of the Quebradas Backcountry Byway, Overlook Road is an easy 4WD trail that meanders through the Coyote Hills. The 360-degree vistas along this trail are spectacular, and the array of rocks and fossils are a rock hound's dream. Hiking, camping, mountain biking, and many other outdoor recreational activities await in this BLM-administered desert paradise. Flora and fauna abound in this harsh, rugged, yet beautiful landscape. At certain times of day, you may see area wildlife, including gray fox, mule deer, coyote, bobcat, porcupine, raccoon, ground squirrel, opossum, jackrabbit, cottontail, and of course, always be on the lookout for rattlesnakes!

The convoluted badlands of the Quebradas near Socorro, New Mexico are home to many spectacular geologic exposures. The serenity and beauty of the high mountain desert await those who venture onto the many 4WD trails on these public lands, Atoja a Chupadero being one of them. The trail is short but very scenic, as is the route to get there, and this route will take you well off the beaten path and into the heart of the Quebradas. Traversing the trail - a narrow, rocky wash - is both fun and challenging as it winds through sand, boulders, and rock pavements. Two large juniper trees along the trail provide great spots to take a break or have lunch. Atoja a Chupadero is a more challenging way to get from Upper Amado Canyon to Minas Del Chupadero than remaining on the Upper Amado Canyon trail would be, and it connects at the end of the Chupadero Mine road, which is the northern border of the Presilla Wilderness observation area.

The Guadalupe Rim Trail is located in the southernmost unit of Lincoln National Forest, running along the western cliffs of the Guadalupe Mountain Range. Officially named Forest Road 67, it is the main access route to numerous additional forest roads that offer varying terrain, including small rock shelves, sand, and dirt. 

The trail is primarily limestone gravel, with some dirt sections. It has an easy rating that is suitable for most vehicles. There are no significant obstacles other than potential weather-related issues, such as mud and ruts at a few points. This trail is also a small section of the 1,200-mile-long New Mexico Backcountry Discovery Route (NMBDR).

Along the trail, multiple viewpoints offer stunning views to the west over Dog Canyon. Within the Junipers and Pinyon trees, there are plenty of large flat camping areas that can fit multiple rigs at one time.

The trail's south end is within an hour and a half of several points of interest, including Sitting Bull Falls, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, and Guadalupe Mountain National Park. The closest amenities, such as gas, groceries, and lodging, can be found in Carlsbad, New Mexico.

Despite the name of 31 Mile Road, this well-maintained backcountry road stretches for nearly 60 miles, offering a pleasant transition from wide-open desert vistas to dense, mountainous woodlands of Santa Fe National Forest. It begins in the high desert area of Española, and gradually climbs into the cooler, pine-shaded forests flanking the northern and western edges of the Valles Caldera National Preserve. The trail itself is a smooth, graded, mostly gravel trail. However, many spur trails break off and offer more of a challenge if that's what you're looking for. There are plenty of campsites along the trail, ranging in size from single-site to large group campsites. More shaded sites can be found along the many spur trails.

This is a short and sweet route up to Laguna Larga Lake. At the start of the trail, signage warns against passenger cars. The first mile is the most challenging section of the trail, with a rough section of lava rock and a couple of rutted areas on a climb, but high-clearance 2WD should be able to traverse this area. All-terrain or other rugged tires are recommended due to the harsh lava rock that likes to protrude from the trail in various spots.

All camping is located at the end of the trail around Laguna Larga. A few aging concrete picnic tables dot the lakeside, while a handful of campsites can also be found farther back in the ponderosa pines. You may also see a couple of memorials erected for loved ones. Please be respectful of these sites.

In New Mexico's El Malpais National Monument, Sandstone Bluff Overlook is a short dirt road with a big payoff. Ancient lava flows lie below towering sandstone bluffs. Early Spanish explorers named the area el malpais, or the badlands. The area was well-known and significant to the Zuni, Acoma, and Laguna. Later, Americans came to the area, as evidenced by the ruins of the Garrett homestead on the drive to the bluffs. The striking dichotomy of the buff-colored sandstone against the black lava below makes the short drive on the highly washboarded road worthwhile.

While there is a vault toilet and picnic tables, camping is not permitted at the overlook. Joe Skeen Campground is a mile south. The free campground has ten sites with shelters, picnic tables, and vault toilets, but no water. Water is available at the El Malpais Visitor Center one mile north. The visitor center is usually open on weekends.

The impressive La Ventana Arch is a few miles south along Highway 117.

This easy point-to-point scenic road takes you over the Zuni Mountains in the Cibola National Forest. It crosses through a few pieces of privately owned land with gates. No campsites were found along this trail. Two established campgrounds, as well as dispersed campsites, are available north of the trail. Quaking Aspen and McGaffey Campgrounds are located along NM 400. Both are seasonal and have large sites suitable for everything but large Class A motorhomes. Neither have water.

This ordinarily easy trail is impassable when wet. Pay attention to the weather.

La Jara Mesa is an out-and-back trail running across its namesake mesa in the Cibola National Forest. In a pinch, there is dispersed camping near the beginning of the trail, but the majority is barren of camping. Overall, the trail is rough dirt, but sections of embedded cobble rock and ruts from water erosion are present. At the end of the mapped track, the trail devolves into soft sand and continues onward as an ATV-only trail.

FR 162 runs through the Cibola National Forest from Highway 400 to Six Mile Canyon. The easy road leads to several spurs with superb dispersed campsites. While a few are small and tucked away, others can handle RVs and camper vans. Sites on the north side of the road have views across a wide flower-studded meadow. The higher elevation makes for mild days and cool nights.

Resumidero is a moderately difficult dirt trail that meanders through the San Pedro Parks Wilderness in northern New Mexico, offering access to several dispersed camping areas and trailheads. The trail also provides access to the Resumidero Falls Trail, a 0.7-mile out-and-back hike leading to a picturesque three-tiered waterfall. It begins like many other trails in the area - easy, graded gravel, but soon turns to rougher dirt and some small rocks. The road is generally accessible to 4x4 vehicles, but conditions can be challenging during wet weather.

Underwood Lake Road, also known as Hell Roaring Mesa, is a well-maintained graded dirt road suitable for almost any vehicle. It is an out-and-back road that takes you back into the forest and has several places great for dispersed camping. The name suggests a lake somewhere nearby, but if there is one, it has long since dried up. The road ends, and there is a large area for camping with a fire pit already constructed. Herds of elk roam the area, and you can hear the wolves howling at night. This might be your spot if you are looking for a place to set up camp in an area with some solitude.  

This graded dirt road offers a scenic and easy connection between State Roads 96 and 126, weaving through the beautiful landscapes of northern New Mexico. The route is suitable for most passenger vehicles and is a great option for drivers seeking a relaxed off-road drive through pine-dotted meadows and open forest. The trail loosely follows the edge of Jarosa Canyon and includes crossings of the Rio Puerco and Poleo Creek, adding some scenic variety along the way. This area also serves as a gateway into the San Pedro Parks Wilderness, with numerous spurs branching off to more rugged trails for those looking for more technical challenges. Be aware that toward the northern end, several side spurs lead onto private land, so exercise caution when selecting a dispersed campsite.

Santa Fe National Forest Service Road 70, also known as the American Creek Trail, offers a remote and scenic route through the Jemez Mountains in northern New Mexico. This unpaved forest road follows the path of Rio de las Vacas (or American Creek), winding through dense coniferous forests and open meadows. It provides access to established & dispersed camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. This easy, graded dirt trail is doable in a passenger car, but has moderately challenging spur trails that may require a high-clearance, 4x4 vehicle. There is a large established campground at the beginning of the trail. This trail is shared with hikers and horseback riders.

Cruce de Parida (Parida Crossing) is a short and easy connecting trail in the Coyote Hills that brings four area trails together and provides access to the Arroyo de la Parida. The tranquility and scenery of this desert area is relaxing and picturesque, with red earth and ancient sandstone cliffs climbing out of deep arroyos. Whether you want to explore, camp, hunt for rocks, or just get some fresh air and sunshine, planning a trip within the network of trails that Cruce de Parida connects is a great way to go. Flora and fauna abound in this rugged yet beautiful landscape. At certain times of day, you may see area wildlife, including gray fox, mule deer, coyote, bobcat, porcupine, raccoon, ground squirrel, opossum, jackrabbit, cottontail, and of course, always be on the lookout for rattlesnakes! Although camping is legal anywhere along the trail, no predisturbed campsites exist directly along this trail.

Just over an hour west of Albuquerque, New Mexico, FS 429 is a short but beautiful trail in the Zuni Mountains that is somewhat off the beaten path. The tall ponderosa pines surrounding this quiet and secluded trail in Limekiln Canyon make for the perfect area to camp, picnic, and explore with the entire family. The San Mateo and Zuni Mountains make up the Mt. Taylor Ranger District, which has approximately 520,000 acres of diverse forest lands, including Mt. Taylor, an extinct volcano considered sacred to Native Americans. The Zuni Mountains have a diverse history that includes railroad logging and sheep herding. Many of the trails in this area were originally used for railroad logging operations in the late 1800s and early 1900s during steam railroading's heyday. There are many antiquities in the area, including old homesteads, mining camps, logging camps, and vast volcanic features.

Excellent dispersed camping is allowed along both sides of FR 429 within 300 feet of the road's centerline​ , as indicated on the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for the Mount Taylor Ranger District (505-287-8833). Note that this is an unimproved area, so please, tread lightly. A shovel and axe are required in order to have a campfire in unimproved areas of the Zuni Mountains. Please observe all fire restrictions.

Connecting the Pucker Falls trail to Hidden Valley Loop, The Great Escape is an aptly named trail that rises steeply up the side of the massive arroyo, offering drivers a quick escape from the high rock escarpments of the falls back to the main Quebradas road, with the bonus of an amazing panoramic view at the end. This connecting trail is a steep (> 40-degree) ascent up a loose dirt and gravel hillside that takes you to the north ridge above Amado Canyon. The first section of the climb is an immediate 60-foot elevation change that is loose and rutted, followed by a right turn onto a longer section that takes you up another 60 feet in elevation. In all, you rise approximately 12 stories in 0.1 miles. Steady, 4-low power in an under-powered gear like 2nd will help maintain traction. Too much power causes bouncing and spinning wheels, which is something to avoid. Note that this trail will put you out on the Hidden Valley Loop trail, from which you will also have a very steep descent, regardless of the direction you go. If you are uncomfortable seeing nothing but blue sky in your windshield, returning to the Pucker Falls trailhead is another option. This trail is suited for drivers experienced with steep grades and loose footing. This trail may be impassable under wet conditions.

El Canal (The Gutter) is a brief but difficult loop off of the Coyote Exit trail. Though the views from this spot are spectacular, you won't notice them as this trail will demand every bit of your attention. If you're looking to get your heart rate up and test your rig, this is a great place to do it! The Quebradas (Spanish for "breaks") are located between two major protected wildlife areas, the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge to the north and Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge to the south. There are many 4WD trails along the Quebradas Backcountry Byway, which bisects the 6,000-acre Gordy’s Hill Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area, providing offroad driving challenges for all experience levels and offroad vehicle capabilities. No camping is found directly along the trail