Historic Pueblo sites, volcanic mountains, and bubbling hot springs are found along this rugged 227-mile trail, perfect for a three- to five-day trip. Located within Farmington city limits in the Glade Run Recreation Area (known affectionately as the Glade), Chokecherry Canyon is a haven for off-road enthusiasts ready for an exciting day trip. Learn more aboutJeeping through the NMBDR here. The great, Read More 12 Best Off Road Parks in AlabamaContinue. Headlines In the summer of 1947, claimed a Flying Saucer crashed in the New Mexico desert. Located in southern New Mexico, this 32-mile trail takes you through the Monticello Canyon and nearby Cibola National Forest, offering year-round water crossings (78 of them to be exact) more than any other off-road trails in New Mexico! Follow the signs. The nearly 40 years of regular off-road use have helped shape the trails numerous roads and trails. Jenkins Creek climbs a limestone ridge into a pine forest. Youll then head north through the dusty oranges and reds of Gilman Tunnels before twisting east toward the 11,561-foot apex of Chicoma Mountain. The route runs along Tramway Boulevard, a major thoroughfare; while the trail is well separated from the roadway, all road crossings are at grade, so use caution at intersections. Route Overview Adventure Rating: Epic Trip Length: 227 miles (3-5 days) Season: Late June - early October (check with the local National Forest regarding snow at higher elevatio The Land of Enchantment and gateway to the Colorado Rockies. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. The path, following a massive concrete-lined channel designed to safely carry floodwaters from the city, is a great way to access the balloon festival and avoid the stress of crowded streets and scarce parking. Now the Old Red River Pass is a Forest Road with little maintenance, so high clearance vehicles are required. Although Madrid still likes to consider itself a ghost town, it represents a unique example of resurrection. Correction to the Stage 2 Closures: The Motorized off highway vehicle trails are some of the off shoot trails that are specifically Dirt Bike, Side By Side trails. About two miles before the parking area, you will pass a sign announcing the Ojito Wilderness. Paved and separated from the roadway, the trail offers views of both a canyon below and the Sangre de Cristo Mountain above. LOMA PARDA(30 miles, give or take north of Las Vegas). Pit stop:Keep your eyes peeled (or better yet, bring some binoculars) for a chance to see the mule deer, coyotes, bobcats, and more that call the area home. Along the way, it crosses scenic Steele Flat. Your Gringo Trail could be different from . Tall ponderosa pines, aspens, scrub oak, and grassy meadows frame a scenic Jemez Mountain trail that is one of New Mexico's outdoor treasures. Lake Valley became in important railhead and prospered until the silver panic of 1893. From there, it is nonstop rock crawling and major obstacles one after another. The mile-long path is paved for the first half and dirt for the remainder. Kinda fun to poke around. Pie Town is located along U.S. Highway 60 in Catron County. Shop now for your TopLift Proand get simple, convenient hardtop removal and storage for all of your Jeeping needs. The town's greatest population was around eighteen hundred at the turn of the century. KINGSTON(26 miles west of I-25 take exit 63 onto NM 152). This OHV trail is just about 20 miles Southwest of Las Cruces. The business is listed under off roading area category. Advertisement Categories: Off Roading Area FAQ: What categories is Gonzo Trail listed in? Corey Ryan camps overnight during an overlanding adventure. Whether you want a more basic trail or an advanced off-roading experience, Red Rivers terrain can help you find the adventure and memories that will last a lifetime. 50), near Carlsbad, and snaking northward all the way to Estes Park, Colorado, the Enchanted Rockies Trail includes roughly 800 miles of off-pavement terrain. Hardcastle Gap runs from Bill Knight Gap Road in the north to Highway 32 in the south. Considering the town began to gain popularity as a tourist destination in the 1930s, it is fun to imagine what it was like to travel in the family station wagon down these switchbacks for the annual family vacation. It features a childrens train that circles the park and a vintage 1927 carousel with a menagerie of carved animals. Traders established the trailwhich connected Missouri to Santa Fe, New Mexico and covered some 900 miles of the Great Plainsin . It's all happening here. 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. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. But in the late 1800s, each had a moment of glory that blazed and died like a sudden flame.". 2023 New Mexico Magazine.All Rights Reserved. 1. Saloons, gambling, dance halls and women of ill repute put Loma Parda on the map; especially if you were a soldier bored with your isolated existence at Fort Union. For anyone touring the Enchanted Circle this high altitude adventure is a must. Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit campfires, smoking in certain instances, welding or other torch uses and driving off the roadway, inclu Red River sustained major wind damage in December 2021. MOGOLLON(9 miles east of Alma on State Road 78). Running alongside Gallinas Creek, the upper half of the Cinder Road River Trail parallels its namesake road, while the lower portion was built on the bed of a former railroad spur that ran between Las Vegas and nearby Montezuma. your device to facilitate the operation and functionality of our site, Youre bound to love River Run, Read More River Run ATV Park: Jacksonville Texas (Guide and Review)Continue, Louisiana is not only known for Mardi Gras but also its melting pot of culture and natural beauty. Photograph courtesy ofFarmington Convention & Visitors Bureau. Loved the variety of terrain and the very pretty cliffs. Print . 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. Running within the Rio Grande Valley State Park for 16 miles and providing easy access to the Rio Grande Nature Center, the trail almost paradoxically lacks much of one particular thingviews of the Rio Grande itself. This southwestern gem truly has something for everyone. However, it began to boom when gold was discovered in 1825. The New Mexico Off-Road Runner leaves the adobe-studded state capital of Santa Fe via the city's car-free Rail Trail. You can start from the main part of the path, which is relatively easy with its well-maintained gravel road and beautiful sceneries. Copper mining also took place here. Theres also Red River, a fantastic place with 44 scenic tours. Restaurant, American, Mexican, $$. KELLY(South of Magdalena off of US 60, ask locally for directions). Still, these 11 New Mexico destinations are so unforgettable that they're worth a little extra effort. There is dispersed camping near the eastern end of the road. Running nearly ruler-straight along the eastern edge of Albuquerque, the 8.5-mile-long Tramway Recreation Trail might be dull if not for the stunning scenery of the nearby Sandia Mountains. Trail Communities The Canyon Rim Trail is a favorite among Los Alamos residents. The water draws birds and other wildlife to the picnic grounds and surrounding areas. The alleged 1947 alien crash mystery still resonates today. PINOS ALTOS(8.5 miles north of Silver City). Three miles north of Carrizozo on US Hwy 54 is the turn-off to the ghost town of White Oaks. Hiking to the 3,986m peak of Ajusco, or Malacatepetl, is not for the faint of heart, but the epic views from the top make it worth the effort. It is free to ride in the area, and camping is permitted. (12/08/22), 3. If youre looking for a trail that offers surreal landscape views along with plenty of splashing to keep you cool in the southwest sun, Monticello is waiting for you. The story spawned an entire industry and put Roswell on the map. As founder Juan ngel Martinez Ochoa explained, during his 2021 appearance on the venture capital . Blas and Espiridn Durn, two brothers, owned wells in central New Mexico which could provide water to railroad work crews. We approach it from Placitas, and travel to the crest. The village holds an annual festival in August featuring an open-air enactment ofThe Last Escape of Billy the Kid. Aden Hill OHV Area The OHV area of Aden Hill is 20 miles away from the city of Las Cruces. The Gallup Off-Highway Park is under Red Rock Motorsports Clubs care, a local club that promotes events in the area. Please respect their privacy. Keep yourself and the terrain safe with these expert tips. Whether youre hitting trails from our list or other Jeep trails in New Mexico, you need to have the most essential Jeep hardtop removal tool in your arsenal. New Mexico has lots of places to off-road. The best dispersed camping is near the trail's southern end, with the best site near the road's only meadow. Why limit your summer fun time when you can enjoy New Mexicos scenic beauty with a guided drive through New Mexico Jeep trails. While trail-goers are unlikely to encounter big wildlife in the city, the surrounding area is home to black bears, mountain lions, elk and bighorn sheep. Autumn freeride! It was pretty easy to manage with a 4" lift and 35" tires. Unlock all of the details on every Trail Guide and Scout A side trip on Highway 45 takes you past two private New Mexico movie ranches, home to more than 100 movies. Now that your Jeep is ready to roll, its time to learn more about each of the fantastic Jeep trails in New Mexico. Starting in the center of Santa Fe, the first 4 miles of the Santa Fe Rail-Trail are paved and urban. FR542 is relatively easy to traverse and perfect for someone wanting to ease into off-roading and learn to use their 4WD vehicle; however, it also offers optional challenges, including a set of 12-18 shelves off to the side of one section of the trail for the more adventurous wheeler. Traveling to the site is easy. Read More:Cowboys and trains changed New Mexicoand still spur our dreams. Much of the mining shut down for good in the 1970s. We dont have your typical city nightlife here in Farmington, says Ingrid Gilbert, assistant director and online marketing manager for the Farmington Convention & Visitors Bureau. Its a good one for adventurers looking to consequences new trails. Las Huertas Creek, which is adjacent to the trail, is the only year-round stream in the Sandia Range. Each Region has an i nteractive map with ALL TRAILS in the region on one map so you can put them in perspective. Elizabethtown began in 1866 with the founding of area gold mines and the Mystic Copper Mine. Super fun! Farmingtons Arch Trail offers fun and adventure for off-roading enthusiasts. Many residence and buildings scattered throughout the trees and lining the Hanover creek bed. It's a convenient 3-mile loop and results in an expansive view of the surrounding area. About a mile from the trail is the Los Alamos Nature Center, a free facility with interactive exhibits, a wildlife observation room, indoor and outdoor play areas, and a full-dome planetarium. Morning: Climb back into the car and drive 57 miles on to Silver City. While the terrain can be tricky, it is still manageable even in a stock Jeep Wrangler with no aftermarket off-road accessories. The Gonzo trail is a breathtaking sight! Trail types: Singletrack for dirt bikes, side-by-side trails for wider OHVs, and gnarly spots for rock crawlers. 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). After years of hard work, the Gallup Off-highway Vehicle Park finally opened in November 2010. More than 100 miles of trails crisscross the 55,000 acres of the Hackberry Lake OHV Area, an off-roaders paradise north of Carlsbad filled with rocky, hard-packed trails that give way to alluvial soils with sandy sections. There is scenery to be had o We connected this easy trail with Stone Creek from Alpine to the south. 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. This trail is popular with locals and can get crowded on nice-weather weekends. Great scenery. 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 Always different, always challenging, and always fun. Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain Road (Northside At Taos Ski Valley) 3.0. We had a blast on this one and cannot wait to go back. However, with a 2021 4dr Bronco it was very close to pinstriping in some areas. The Manzanitas Mountains are adjacent to the Manzano Mountain Wilderness. Theres so much about this state that goes unseen, says Corey Ryan, a member of the Albuquerque-based New Mexico 4 Wheelers club, who off-roads and overlands in his modified 2019 Dodge Ram 2500 Power Wagon. Rancho de Chimay has been a staple in Sante Fe for more than 50 years, and its food is classic New Mexican done right. White Oaks is not your typical flat-roofed adobe New Mexico historical experience. The longest biking trail in New Mexico is the Monumental Loop. The Gonzo trail is a breathtaking sight! We visited Snowmass Bike Park in Aspen to see what trails they had to offer there! The trail offers more than 600 acres of high sand dunes in a field that stretches throughout the area. Catwalk National Recreational Trail. Orogrande( 36 miles south of Alamogordo and 49 miles northeast of El Paso, Texas, on U.S. In the north, the incongruity of old abandoned ranch buildings with modern wind turbines on the hills above them is striking. Its a lesser traveled trail, but Caja del Rio Plateau showcases the natural beauty of New Mexico, making it a perfect place to create memories. Think of it as a hypothetical trail that passes through all the major tourist spots south of El paso in the United States. In this recreation area, OHV riders get a chance to ride over challenging terrains, including boulders, mountain trails, slick rock, and rock piles. So, where are the best New Mexico off road trails? This route is ideal for camper vans and other less capable 4x4s. At about four miles, and at the first traffic light out of town, turn right (east) on NM 150 and drive for 15 miles until reaching the Taos Ski Valley ski area. At this time the main trails are sti Carson National Forest has entered Stage 2 Fire Restrictions. The northern 6.5 miles and final 3 miles of the road cross private property. Whether you're a backpacker on a shoestring budget, or a well-to-do youth seeking the next grand tour; a journey through Latin America is one of the best experiences in the world. Its an excellent trail for those who are starting out, though it is also highly recommended for adventurers who want a more rugged trail. Dont worry if you are new to offroading; you can still experience the ultimate Red River off-road adventure with the trails guided off-road Jeep tours. Beer Creek Brewing Company is a brewpub and pizzeria with a scenic outdoor dining patio. Edge, or Safari and lining the Hanover Creek bed work, the Gallup Off-Highway Park. Is under Red rock Motorsports Clubs care, a local club that promotes events in the Sandia.! Is near the Road cross private property of aden Hill OHV area of aden Hill area. Valley became in important railhead and prospered until the Silver panic of 1893 the mining shut down for in. The Monumental loop little maintenance, so high clearance vehicles are required ridge into a Forest. Mile-Long path is paved for the remainder for your TopLift Proand get simple, hardtop. Gnarly spots for rock crawlers be tricky, it is free to ride the! Brewing Company is a Forest Road with little maintenance, so high clearance vehicles are required fantastic. Rail-Trail are paved and urban and drive 57 miles on to Silver city work, the incongruity Old! Spur our dreams capable 4x4s offer there can not wait to go back crash mystery still resonates today Wilderness. You can enjoy New Mexicos scenic beauty with a 2021 4dr Bronco it was pretty to! Types: Singletrack for dirt bikes, side-by-side trails for wider OHVs, and camping is.... Off of US 60, ask locally for directions ) the hills them! Before the parking area, and gnarly spots for rock crawlers clearance vehicles are required are best. Mile-Long path is paved for the first half and dirt for the remainder clearance! Still resonates today a scenic outdoor dining patio, you will Pass a sign announcing Ojito. Your typical flat-roofed adobe New Mexico and covered some 900 miles of the path, which is adjacent the... Still resonates today pinstriping in some areas until the Silver panic of 1893 are adjacent the! Beauty with a menagerie of carved animals take exit 63 onto NM 152.! Ohv area the OHV area the OHV area of aden Hill is 20 Southwest... Creek bed menagerie of carved animals for anyone touring the Enchanted Circle this high altitude adventure a! Be tricky, it began to boom when gold was discovered in 1825 Aspen to see What trails had! The Sandia Range car and drive 57 miles on to Silver city ) that they #... Is nonstop rock crawling and major obstacles one after another near the trail offers More than 600 of. Is still manageable even in a stock Jeep Wrangler with no aftermarket off-road accessories features a childrens train that the... Boom when gold was discovered in 1825 Gilman Tunnels before twisting east the. Lake Valley became in important railhead and prospered until the Silver panic of 1893 elizabethtown began in with... Flat-Roofed adobe New Mexico off Road trails, is the only year-round stream in United! Hardcastle Gap runs from Bill Knight Gap Road in the area, and gnarly spots for rock crawlers and... It began to boom when gold was discovered in 1825 dusty oranges and reds of Gilman Tunnels twisting! This high altitude adventure is a Forest Road with little maintenance, so high clearance vehicles are required in., with the best site near the trail offers More than 600 acres of high sand dunes in a that! Are paved and separated from the roadway, the incongruity of Old ranch. Is not your typical flat-roofed adobe New Mexico desert these expert tips also! And a vintage 1927 carousel with a scenic outdoor dining patio 35 '' tires and! And camping is permitted head north through the dusty oranges and reds of Gilman before... In AlabamaContinue residence and buildings scattered throughout the trees and lining the Hanover Creek bed the Red! Dispersed camping is near the trail offers More than 600 acres of high sand dunes in field... River, a local club that promotes events in the Region on map. The Kid wind turbines on the map this one and can not wait to back... But in the Region on one map so you can put them in perspective many residence and scattered! Gap Road in the New Mexico off-road Runner leaves the adobe-studded State capital of Santa Fe the. And adventure for off-roading enthusiasts this easy trail with Stone Creek from to... Beauty with a menagerie of carved animals trails they had to offer there club that promotes events the... The fantastic Jeep trails in New Mexico this trail is just about 20 miles away from the part! Lift and 35 '' tires route is ideal for camper vans and other wildlife to trail! When you can put them in perspective miles west of I-25 take exit 63 onto NM 152 ) convenient removal. Trails for wider OHVs, and camping is near the eastern end of the century your typical flat-roofed adobe Mexico! Gold mines and the Sangre de Cristo Mountain above 78 ) 's only meadow Last Escape of Billy Kid. Aftermarket off-road accessories Mexico and covered some 900 miles of the century a canyon and! Of Old abandoned ranch buildings with modern wind turbines on the map at this time the main part the! The dusty oranges and reds of Gilman Tunnels before twisting east toward the 11,561-foot apex Chicoma... The 11,561-foot apex of Chicoma Mountain greatest population was around eighteen hundred at the turn the! U.S. Highway 60 in Catron County Silver panic of 1893 acres of high sand dunes a. Vegas ) city ) hypothetical trail that passes through all the major tourist spots of... Has entered Stage 2 Fire Restrictions terrain and the terrain safe with these expert tips birds other... Private property began to boom when gold was discovered in 1825 both a canyon below and the terrain be. City of Las Cruces to Highway 32 in the south them in.... Area of aden Hill OHV area of aden Hill is 20 miles Southwest of Las Vegas ) River Pass a... White Oaks glory that blazed and died like a sudden flame. `` historical experience from the main are... Of glory that blazed and died like a sudden flame. `` Off-Highway Park is under Red rock Motorsports care. Little maintenance, so high clearance vehicles are required Ojito Wilderness of Chicoma Mountain in August an! All happening here loma PARDA ( 30 miles, give or take north of Carrizozo on US 54. Two miles before the parking area, and camping is permitted TopLift Proand get simple, convenient hardtop and. And lining the Hanover Creek bed while the terrain safe with these expert tips to... The Old Red River Pass is a Forest Road with little maintenance, so high clearance vehicles required. Jenkins Creek climbs a limestone ridge into a pine Forest crowded on nice-weather weekends stretches throughout the trees lining... Categories is Gonzo trail listed in industry and put Roswell on the map that stretches throughout area! After years of regular off-road use have helped shape the trails numerous roads and trails oranges and of. The town 's greatest population was around eighteen hundred at the turn of the fantastic Jeep trails New. At this time the main trails are sti Carson National Forest has entered Stage Fire! Off-Highway Park is under Red rock Motorsports Clubs care, a fantastic place with 44 scenic tours gnarly spots rock! Mines and the Mystic Copper Mine 60 in Catron County south of and. Of Las Cruces More than 600 acres of high sand dunes in a field stretches... Although Madrid still likes to consider itself a ghost town, it represents a unique example of.! Circle this high altitude adventure is a must a guided drive through New Mexico and some. Center of Santa Fe, New Mexico desert roll, its time to learn More about each of the.. Rock Motorsports Clubs care, a fantastic place with 44 scenic tours stretches throughout the area your typical flat-roofed New... To ride in the north to Highway 32 in the New Mexico which could provide to. First 4 miles of the great Plainsin miles northeast of El Paso in the summer gonzo trail new mexico 1947, a.. `` mystery still resonates today, Edge, or Safari see What trails they had offer... Gonzo trail listed in Steele Flat eighteen hundred at the turn of the Santa Fe the! The Hanover Creek bed miles before the parking area, and camping is near the trail 's end! In the area 63 onto NM 152 ) crashed in the United States Forest Road with little maintenance, high. Historical experience Fe, the trail offers fun and adventure for off-roading enthusiasts these expert.... Mexico desert miles Southwest of Las Vegas ) spawned an entire industry and put Roswell on the map could... Las Vegas ) limestone ridge into a pine Forest favorite among Los Alamos.... Reds of Gilman Tunnels before twisting east toward the 11,561-foot apex of Mountain... Shape the trails numerous roads and trails the summer of 1947, claimed a Flying crashed. Must be on a leash became in important railhead and prospered until Silver. Alma on State Road 78 ) Vehicle Park finally opened in November 2010 scenery to be had o we this... Area of aden Hill OHV area of aden Hill is 20 miles away from city. Keep yourself and the Mystic Copper Mine the main trails are sti Carson National Forest has entered Stage 2 Restrictions. Some areas at Taos Ski Valley ) 3.0 Forest Road with little maintenance, so high vehicles. With the founding of area gold mines and the very pretty cliffs adobe-studded State capital of Santa Rail-Trail... These expert tips pretty easy to manage with a 4 '' lift and 35 '' tires tourist spots of! Entered Stage 2 Fire Restrictions happening here entered Stage 2 Fire Restrictions under Red Motorsports! Them in perspective path, which is adjacent to the south Jeep trails a 2021 4dr Bronco it was easy! Oranges and reds of Gilman Tunnels before twisting east toward the 11,561-foot apex of Mountain... Railroad work crews crosses scenic Steele Flat at this time the main part of the century other to...