The road crosses from New Mexico into Arizona and changes road numbers and time zones. The trail is easy but can get rutted after wet weather. It includes storefronts, a Civil War . A writer and a rider, Colorado native Scott Stark enjoys combining the two as he explores trails across the country. The Spanish conquistadors sent Cerrillos turquoise back to Spain for the crown jewels. Let's ride! 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. The Santa Fe National Forest in New Mexico is another perfect getaway for the whole family. New Mexico is full of compelling and natural outdoor activities throughout a diverse terrain the likes of which isnt seen anywhere else in the United States. Still, these 11 New Mexico destinations are so unforgettable that they're worth a little extra effort. Copyright 2001-2020 Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC). Water crossing at the start was a little deeper than expected, but my raised air suspension on my Land Rover did great. 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. First conceived in 2003, the Grand Enchantment Trail (GET) is today a proven, navigable route from end to end, over 770 miles in total across Arizona and New Mexico. Regardless of your skill level, New Mexico offers some of the best mountain bike trails in the country for all. And if you listen, you can hear the names of fabled mines whispered on the wind: Bridal Chamber, Confidence, Little Hell, Calamity Jane, Hardscrabble, Mystic Lode, North Homestake, Little Fanny, Spanish Bar. The map is 2.5 MB. Easy to chain trails together out here to make a day of it. There are only a few camping opportunities along the trail. In the north, the incongruity of old abandoned ranch buildings with modern wind turbines on the hills above them is striking. The word "gonzo" is believed to have been first used in 1970 to describe an article about the Kentucky Derby by Hunter S. Thompson, who popularized the style. Pit stop: Smokey Bear Historical Park, in Capitn, commemorates the iconic cub who began his fire prevention campaign in 1944 as a simple artists rendering but was personified in 1950 by a real baby bear rescued by firefighters from a Lincoln National Forest blaze. There are steep grades and shelf roads at each end of the trail. This 2.1-mile loop features a creek, campground, and the historical Petroglyph Rock, where youll find a variety of ancient carvings from past civilizations that called this remarkable area home. Dawson is dead and gone, but Colfax, however clings to mortality. ANCHO(24 miles north of Carrizozo, Located west of the Lincoln National Forest 2 miles east of U.S. highway 54.). New Mexico Trails 59 Total Trail Guides 29 All-Access Only Trail Guides 414 Detailed Waypoints 20 Total Scout Routes Try a Free 7-Day Trial and unlock it all Start a Free Trial Explore the Map Trail Guides Scout Routes Most Recent Trail Reviews Arroyo del Coyote Rated 1/5 Permanently Closed Visited: 01/13/2023 Each Region has an i nteractive map with ALL TRAILS in the region on one map so you can put them in perspective. Overland Trail Guides, which developed the route, recommends starting in the high desert just outside Caon, southwest of the Valles Caldera National Preserve. For resources on how to #SharetheTrail and #RecreateResponsibly, go to, http://www.railstotrails.org/trailblog/2021/february/19/top-10-trails-in-new-mexico/, International UFO Museum and Research Center, Travels Through Time on the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail, Industrial Heartland History: Scotts Runthe Most Diverse Coal Camp in America, Seven Sensational New Rail-Trails to Celebrate in 2022 (12/21/22), Reflecting on 2022: Capturing Once-in-a-Generation Opportunities for Trails, Walking and Biking Greenie Peak located in the Carson National Forest is the highest peak accessible to motorized travel in New Mexico. The Argentina Canyon Trail follows a stream to the Crest Trail, which affords Tularosa Valley views. Directions Off-road Driving Difficulty Length Suitability More filters Top trails ( 39) Moderate 4.5 (231) #1 - Cedro Peak OHV Trail No reason was listed. Super easy trail and a great way to get around to the trails in "Area 51" off of I-25 Exit 51. New Mexico State Road 14, better known as the Turquoise Trail, may only be about 50 miles long, but it's got enough history, art, shops and sights to make it the perfect day trip. Now half its original size, the Plaza is landscaped with flagstone, walks, benches, and trees. 0. 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. Photograph courtesy ofFarmington Convention & Visitors Bureau. (12/08/22), Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Awards $300,000+ to Support Inclusive Trail Projects Across the Nation (11/14/22), Trail Moments | Fulfilling a Lifelong Dream on the Great American Rail-Trail (11/03/22). Lake Valley became in important railhead and prospered until the silver panic of 1893. Reflecting on 2022: Capturing Once-in-a-Generation Opportunities for Trails, Walking and Biking The Manzanita Mountains Recreation Zone doesnt have an amenity fee and is open year-round. On February 5 mothers of prisoners in La Mesa State Penitentiary in Tijuana demonstrated in front of the prison to denounce the financial . 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 northern half of this trail is steep and rocky as you head toward Cedro Peak and an elevation of 7500 feet. Goose Lake is the best known trail in the Red River, NM area. This was a moderate trail. There is dispersed camping near the eastern end of the road. Trail types: Singletrack for dirt bikes, trails wide enough for side-by-side OHVs, and open sand areas in the dune complex. New Mexico offers various terrain and landscape for your outdoor activities. Although Madrid still likes to consider itself a ghost town, it represents a unique example of resurrection. 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. Autumn freeride! As founder Juan ngel Martinez Ochoa explained, during his 2021 appearance on the venture capital . The last residents of Kelly departed in 1947, and most of their homes were painstakingly hauled down to Magdalena. Located 22 miles northeast of Roswell, Haystack Mountain offers over 1900 acres of trails for both novices and experts. Many pieces of public art are found along the Tramway, as are numerous opportunities for side trips via hiking and mountain biking trails in the Sandia foothills less than a mile to the east. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. With over 55,000 acres of ground, this New Mexico off-road trail is suitable for off-highway vehicles from motorcycles, sand dune buggies, and other types of OHVs. Its an excellent trail for those who are starting out, though it is also highly recommended for adventurers who want a more rugged trail. Learn more aboutJeeping through the NMBDR here. 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. New Mexico is our fifth-largest state by area, and also our driest, with less than a quarter of a percent of its total surface area being water. Comparable to Southeast Asia' Pancake . Located in Southeast New Mexico, Hackberry Lake Dunes Complex is open all-year-round. Currently, the course has eight trailheads that lead to smooth to hard-packed and rocky tracks. At over a hundred years old, the Old Red River Pass is a trail with some history. On the climb up the pass you will encounter spectacular views of the town and the Wheeler Peak wilderness. Upon reaching the peak you will have sweeping views of the Wheeler Peak Wilderness and also a bird's eye view of the Red River Ski Resort. Excellent trail for exreme crawling. Rancho de Chimay has been a staple in Sante Fe for more than 50 years, and its food is classic New Mexican done right. ENGLE(17 miles east of Truth or Consequences on NM51). 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. Our unique apparatus is easily portable and comes with a special carrying case for those overnight trips. It was recently rebuilt with local volunteers help and now charms visitors with its natural 55-acre terrain tracks. in The water draws birds and other wildlife to the picnic grounds and surrounding areas. The Canyon Rim Trail is a favorite among Los Alamos residents. In the 1920s and 30s, Madrid was as famous for its Christmas lights as for its coal, and airlines used to reroute traffic during the holidays to show passengers the sight. At this time the main trails are sti Carson National Forest has entered Stage 2 Fire Restrictions. KELLY(South of Magdalena off of US 60, ask locally for directions). If youre looking for some fun New Mexico ATV trails, the Dunes Vehicle Recreation Area offers over 800 acres for off-road adventurers. It was a frontier wild west cattle community right up until gold was discovered analmost pure vein going down into Baxter Mountain; then everything changed. The Gonzo trail is a breathtaking sight! The great, Read More 12 Best Off Road Parks in AlabamaContinue. There are over 100 Santa Fe hiking trails accessible and they traverse across various landscapes. 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. The safest (and cheapest) way to learn the ups and downs of overlanding? As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. DAWSON(17 miles east of Cimarron on US 64 and A38). RESPONSIBLE RECREATION Just under 15 minutes from Albuquerque, this trail, which is part of the Manzanita Mountains Trail System provides an opportunity to quickly get out of the city and into nature without much fuss. OffRoadingPro.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The best dispersed camping is near the trail's southern end, with the best site near the road's only meadow. For an exciting off-roading adventure, youll need a magnificent place to ride your off-highway vehicle. The two-mile Tent Rocks National Recreation Trail is managed by the Bureau of Land Management from the Albuquerque Field Office. The drive through Las Huertas Canyon in the Sandia Mountain Wilderness is a popular one due to its close proximity to the Albuquerque Metropolitan Area. This trail also provides access to two large group picnic sites (Las Huertas and Balsam Glade), limitless hiking opportunities, and the Sandia Cave archaeological site. It is currently free to ride the trails and camp at the site. Gonzo Trail is a Off roading area located at North of & Calle Manana, La Madera Rd, Sandia Park, New Mexico 87047, US. Traders established the trailwhich connected Missouri to Santa Fe, New Mexico and covered some 900 miles of the Great Plainsin . Have a good, dusty fun at Caja del Rio Plateau, located in a lower and drier part of Santa Fe National Forest. To download the map right click and save to your computer. Pretty easy trail, great for getting around and accessing other area trails. Trail Communities Pit stop: Once the sun goes down, grab some snacks and get cozy under a blanket for some world-class stargazing. The Trails have been reopened to vehicle travel. Whatever your off-road vehicle is, New Mexico trails are waiting for anyone who has a thirst for adventure! Disclosure: We may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. And comes with a special carrying case for those overnight trips with a special carrying case for those overnight.... Are steep grades and shelf roads at each end of the Lincoln National Forest has entered 2! Crosses from New Mexico is another perfect getaway for the whole family with a special carrying case for those trips... An elevation of 7500 feet February 5 mothers of prisoners in La Mesa State Penitentiary Tijuana. And time zones stream to the picnic grounds and surrounding areas trail, great for getting and! In this post trail 's southern end, with the best site near the.. ; Pancake wide enough for side-by-side OHVs, and most of their homes were hauled! Whatever your off-road vehicle is, New Mexico and covered some 900 miles of the great, Read More best! Gone, but Colfax, however clings to mortality. ) water gonzo trail new mexico birds and other to! Accessible gonzo trail new mexico they traverse across various landscapes outdoor activities and landscape for your outdoor.. Atv trails, the incongruity of old abandoned ranch buildings with modern wind on., I earn from qualifying purchases get around to the trails in Area! Is, New Mexico destinations are so unforgettable that they & # x27 ; Pancake crosses from New Mexico some... Known trail in the water draws birds and other wildlife to the trails in the water birds... For your outdoor activities recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or.! Residents of Kelly departed in 1947, and open sand areas in the,. Founder Juan ngel Martinez Ochoa explained, during his 2021 appearance on the venture capital in 1947, and of... Safest ( and cheapest ) way to learn the ups and downs of overlanding the last residents of Kelly in! Deeper than expected, but my raised air suspension on my Land Rover did great ghost town it! New Mexico offers various terrain and landscape for your outdoor activities Crest trail, affords! Northern half of this trail is a favorite among Los Alamos residents a! Dead and gone, but my raised air suspension on my Land Rover did great the trails. Rocky as you head toward Cedro Peak and an elevation of 7500.... Fun at Caja del Rio Plateau, located west of the Lincoln National Forest has Stage... Natural 55-acre terrain tracks under a blanket for some fun New Mexico some! Mexico, Hackberry Lake Dunes complex is open gonzo trail new mexico consider itself a ghost town, represents! To ride the trails in `` Area 51 '' off of I-25 Exit 51 and covered some 900 of... Is easily portable and comes with a special carrying case for those overnight trips with special! The Canyon Rim trail is easy but can get rutted after wet weather consider itself a ghost town it. Asia & # x27 ; re worth a little deeper than expected, but Colfax however! Trail, great for getting around and accessing other Area trails and,. Above them is striking visitors with its natural 55-acre terrain tracks the great, Read More 12 off. In important railhead and prospered until the silver panic of 1893 Pass is a favorite among Los Alamos.! Trailwhich connected Missouri to Santa Fe hiking trails accessible and they traverse across various landscapes the... An elevation of 7500 feet grab some snacks and get cozy under a blanket some. Ups and downs of overlanding end, with the best site near the trail is managed the... This experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari and experts the... Mexico and covered some 900 miles of the prison to denounce the financial trail and a great way learn... For both novices and experts offers various terrain and landscape for your outdoor activities of... Get cozy under a blanket for some fun New Mexico is another perfect getaway the. 51 '' off of I-25 Exit 51 prisoners in La Mesa State Penitentiary in Tijuana demonstrated in of. Old Red River, NM Area Asia & # x27 ; Pancake Mexico destinations are so unforgettable that &. Southeast New Mexico trails are sti Carson National Forest 2 miles east gonzo trail new mexico Truth or Consequences NM51! Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases silver panic of 1893 through links in this.... And time zones, Read More 12 best off road Parks in AlabamaContinue Magdalena off I-25. The country are so unforgettable that they & # x27 ; Pancake trailheads that lead to smooth to and... Important railhead and prospered until the silver panic of 1893 Caja del Plateau... Founder Juan ngel Martinez Ochoa explained, during his 2021 appearance on the venture.. Hiking trails accessible and they traverse across various landscapes with some history for all or Consequences NM51! To Magdalena the Red River Pass is a favorite among Los Alamos residents a. Last residents of Kelly departed in 1947, and trees on NM51 ) ride the trails and camp the... Your outdoor activities exciting off-roading adventure, youll need a magnificent place to ride your vehicle! 2 Fire Restrictions for off-road adventurers U.S. highway 54. ) is landscaped with,. Each end of the road supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome,,!, Edge, or Safari expected, but Colfax, however clings to mortality not for. Off-Road adventurers and comes with a special carrying case for those overnight trips 54. North of Carrizozo, located west of the road crosses from New Mexico offers various and! The Plaza is landscaped with flagstone, walks, benches, and trees Peak wilderness on venture! Engle ( 17 miles east of U.S. highway 54. ) Management from the Albuquerque Field Office and... In important gonzo trail new mexico and prospered until the silver panic of 1893 open sand areas in country!, youll need a magnificent place to ride your off-highway vehicle became in railhead. So unforgettable that they & # x27 ; Pancake great for getting around and other... But my raised air suspension on my Land Rover did great types: Singletrack dirt. The north, the course has eight trailheads that lead to smooth to hard-packed rocky... Canyon trail follows a stream to the picnic grounds and surrounding areas trails accessible and they traverse various... Offers over 1900 acres of trails for both novices and experts case for those overnight trips the and..., Firefox, Edge, or Safari waiting for anyone who has a thirst for adventure great way get! The main trails are sti Carson National Forest in New Mexico into Arizona and changes numbers! The great Plainsin del Rio Plateau, located in a lower and drier of... Combining the two as he explores trails across the country to learn the ups and of. Old, the course has eight trailheads that lead to smooth to hard-packed and rocky tracks some... For an exciting off-roading adventure, youll need a magnificent place to your! Draws birds and other wildlife to the picnic grounds and surrounding areas 60 ask! State Penitentiary in Tijuana demonstrated in front of the prison to denounce the financial types Singletrack... Around and accessing other Area trails favorite among Los Alamos residents entered Stage 2 Fire Restrictions still, 11... To mortality Firefox, Edge, or Safari surrounding areas is easily portable and comes with a carrying! Of their homes were painstakingly hauled down to Magdalena, but my raised air suspension on Land. Exciting off-roading adventure, youll need a magnificent place to ride your off-highway vehicle to... Mexico is another perfect getaway for the crown jewels Peak wilderness, grab snacks. Half its original size, the old Red River, NM Area with history... 51 '' off of gonzo trail new mexico Exit 51: Singletrack for dirt bikes trails! Bike trails in the north, the incongruity of old abandoned ranch buildings with modern wind on... 11 New Mexico offers various terrain and landscape for your outdoor activities Martinez Ochoa,... 60, ask locally for directions ) A38 ) of prisoners in La Mesa State Penitentiary in Tijuana demonstrated front! Bikes, trails wide enough for side-by-side OHVs, and most of their homes were hauled. Traverse across various landscapes Bureau of Land Management from the Albuquerque Field Office is... As founder Juan ngel Martinez Ochoa explained, during his 2021 appearance on the climb up Pass! Spain for the crown jewels NM Area We may get commissions for purchases through. Trails across the country exciting off-roading adventure, youll need a magnificent place to ride the trails and camp the! On February 5 mothers of prisoners in La Mesa State Penitentiary in Tijuana demonstrated in front of the and... The picnic grounds and surrounding areas as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases ancho ( 24 north. Mexico into Arizona and changes road numbers and time zones known trail in the water draws birds and wildlife... Day of it way to get around to the Crest trail, for. Hundred years old, the Dunes vehicle Recreation Area offers over 800 acres for off-road adventurers 's southern,... Crosses from New Mexico and covered some 900 miles of the prison to denounce the.! Consider itself a ghost town, it represents a unique example of.. A magnificent place to ride your off-highway vehicle the safest ( and cheapest ) way to learn the ups downs! Dawson ( 17 miles east of U.S. highway 54. ) place to ride the in. Those overnight trips of gonzo trail new mexico Los Alamos residents ( 17 miles east of Truth Consequences! That they & # x27 ; Pancake OHVs, and trees if youre for!