Quebradas Backcountry Byway

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5/5 (6 reviews)
Escondida, New Mexico (Socorro County)
Last Updated: 08/27/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

The first thing an offroad enthusiast will notice upon starting along the 24-mile Quebradas Backcountry Byway is frequent evidence of adventure - tire tracks heading off the main route into arroyos, through ravines and canyons, up hills and out into the desert. So, in addition to amazing geological features and beautiful landscapes, there are countless opportunities to wheel at varying degrees of technical difficulty, making this area a 4WD paradise. The name Quebradas (Spanish for “breaks”), refers to the numerous arroyos, ravines and cliffs that the trail traverses. This area near Socorro, NM is home to many spectacular geologic exposures. Many of these geologic points of interest have been marked by the Bureau of Land Management with small signs along the way, and even more geology is available to those who venture farther from the road. Photography, rock hounding, hiking, camping, wildlife watching, hunting, cultural sightseeing and backcountry vehicle touring are some of the recreation opportunities available on these public lands. Driving this trail you'll pass through areas of convoluted badlands, narrow box canyons and near-vertical multi-colored, water-sculpted limestone, sandstone and granite cliffs. 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 a rattlesnake.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

5/5 (6)
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Official Crew
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13250
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 08/26/2023

The road has been recently bladed so washboards are minimal; however, recent rains have moved some dirt from the side hills into the road. Still easily traversible in a passenger vehicle. Always very scenic!
Trail Review: Quebradas Backcountry Byway - Scott Mitchell
Trail Review: Quebradas Backcountry Byway - Scott Mitchell
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 05/17/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Great scenery. Saw only 1 other vehicle in the 5 or so hours I was in the area. Nice relaxing drive for me, the wife and the dog.
Trail Review: Quebradas Backcountry Byway - Michael Marson
Trail Review: Quebradas Backcountry Byway - Michael Marson
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400
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Rated 5/5
Visited: 12/22/2021

If you like to take photos of landscapes, this is the place—lots of colors in the rock and mountains. I took a short hike. There was zero wind. The Silence was indescribable.
Trail Review: Quebradas Backcountry Byway - Brian
Trail Review: Quebradas Backcountry Byway - Brian
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Official Crew
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13250
Open
Visited: 11/16/2021

Heavy rains in 2021 have really changed the area trails. Some points are now harder and some are easier. Lots of vegetation in the arroyo floors and more exposed boulders than usual in many places. Fabulous, sunny weather in the 70's with no wind on this trip. Conditions in late fall really are ideal for the Quebradas area.
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Official Crew
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13250
Open
Visited: 01/30/2021

Trails were dry and conditions were as expected on this sunny February day. A little crisp and breezy in the morning but once you're down in the arroyos in the sun, very mild. A very enjoyable day with some hiking, rock hunting and of course rock crawling.

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