1. Rio Puerco Trail System
Location: Near Albuquerque, NM
Description: The Rio Puerco Trail System is one of the most popular off-road areas in New Mexico. It offers a network of dirt roads and rugged paths through the desert landscape near Albuquerque. The trails are suitable for both jeeps and UTVs and provide a range of difficulty levels, from easier paths to more challenging rocky terrain.
Website: Rio Puerco Trail
Phone: +1 505-761-8700 (BLM Albuquerque Field Office)
2. Santa Fe National Forest
Location: Santa Fe, NM
Description: Santa Fe National Forest offers numerous off-road opportunities for jeeps and UTVs. The forest is home to both easy and challenging trails that wind through the mountains, forests, and high desert. The forest features scenic routes with views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and canyons. Popular trails for off-roading include the Winsor and Nacimiento trails.
Website: Santa Fe National Forest
Phone: +1 505-438-5300 (Santa Fe National Forest)
3. Gila National Forest
Location: Silver City, NM
Description: Gila National Forest provides many miles of off-road trails through remote and rugged landscapes. It is one of the largest forests in New Mexico and is home to some of the most challenging and rewarding jeep and UTV trails in the state. The Gila Wilderness area offers scenic views of mountains, valleys, and rivers, making it a top choice for off-road enthusiasts.
Website: Gila National Forest
Phone: +1 575-388-8201 (Gila National Forest)
4. El Malpais National Monument
Location: Near Grants, NM
Description: El Malpais National Monument offers a unique off-roading experience through rugged volcanic landscapes. The monument features lava fields, cinder cones, and sandstone cliffs. There are several designated off-road trails suitable for jeeps and UTVs, with varying levels of difficulty. The area also provides fantastic views of the surrounding wilderness.
Website: El Malpais National Monument
Phone: +1 505-285-4641 (El Malpais National Monument)
5. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) – Monticello Box Canyon
Location: Near Farmington, NM
Description: Monticello Box Canyon, managed by the Bureau of Land Management, offers rugged trails for jeep and UTV enthusiasts. The area provides stunning views of the canyon and surrounding desert terrain, making it a great destination for off-roaders. The trails are challenging, with rocky paths and uneven terrain that require experience and skill.
Website: Monticello Box Canyon
Phone: +1 505-564-7600 (BLM Farmington Field Office)
6. Zuni Mountains
Location: Near Gallup, NM
Description: The Zuni Mountains offer a mix of trails through both forested and rocky terrain. The area is perfect for jeep and UTV enthusiasts seeking a variety of off-road experiences. Trails in this region offer scenic views, wildlife sightings, and a chance to explore the rugged New Mexico landscape.
Website: Zuni Mountains
Phone: +1 505-346-3900 (Cibola National Forest)
7. Tijeras Canyon & Albuquerque Foothills
Location: Near Albuquerque, NM
Description: Located close to Albuquerque, Tijeras Canyon and the Albuquerque Foothills offer a mix of off-road trails through desert terrain and foothill landscapes. The area is popular for jeep and UTV use, providing a variety of trail types, from more accessible paths to rugged, rocky roads. It’s ideal for those who want a quick off-road adventure near the city.
Phone: +1 505-857-8484 (Santa Fe National Forest)
8. Jicarilla Ranger District (Carson National Forest)
Location: Near Dulce, NM
Description: The Jicarilla Ranger District offers several off-road trails for jeeps and UTVs that wind through mountainous terrain and pine forests. The area is less trafficked, providing a more secluded and peaceful off-roading experience. The trails here are great for those who want to escape the crowds and explore a remote part of New Mexico.
Website: Carson National Forest
Phone: +1 575-758-6200 (Carson National Forest)
9. Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness
Location: Near Farmington, NM
Description: The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness offers off-roaders the opportunity to explore some of the most unique landscapes in New Mexico. The terrain includes hoodoos, mesas, and other unusual rock formations, providing a dramatic backdrop for jeep and UTV exploration. While this area does not have established trails, off-roading is permitted across the wilderness, offering plenty of room to explore.
Website: Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness
Phone: +1 505-564-7600 (BLM Farmington Field Office)
10. Valles Caldera National Preserve
Location: Near Los Alamos, NM
Description: The Valles Caldera National Preserve offers a beautiful and rugged landscape, perfect for jeep and UTV adventurers. The preserve features volcanic landscapes, grassy meadows, and forested hills. There are several dirt roads and off-road routes available, and it’s a fantastic place to explore the beauty of the Jemez Mountains.
Website: Valles Caldera National Preserve
Phone: +1 505-672-3861 (Valles Caldera National Preserve)
11. Otero Mesa
Location: Southeastern New Mexico, near Alamogordo, NM
Description: Otero Mesa is a large, remote area that offers a unique off-roading experience in the Chihuahuan Desert. The trails here are typically less crowded, and the landscape is marked by expansive desert, rolling hills, and high mesas. It's a great place for jeep and UTV drivers who want to experience a true wilderness adventure.
Website: Otero Mesa
Phone: +1 575-525-4300 (BLM Las Cruces Field Office)
General Tips for Off-Roading in New Mexico:
Permits & Regulations: Be sure to check local regulations for off-roading, including trail access and permit requirements. Some areas require a permit for OHV use, while others may have seasonal closures or restrictions.
Trail Conditions: Weather conditions in New Mexico can impact trail conditions, especially in mountainous or desert areas. Make sure to check trail statuses before heading out, and always be prepared for changes in weather.
Safety: Always wear appropriate safety gear, including helmets and seatbelts, and ensure your vehicle is in good condition before hitting the trails. Be mindful of wildlife, especially in remote areas.
New Mexico's diverse landscapes provide a wide range of off-road trails for jeep and UTV enthusiasts. From desert dunes to rugged mountain paths, there's something for every level of off-roading experience.