If you want to take it on the trail with you, no problem! Remember, however, that this is merely a watered down version to help you prepare for your excursion. Receive New Mexico's outdoor adventure, cultural richness, and more delivered to your door. Corey Ryandisplayshis overlanding setup. For many years, the state of New Mexico has been a haven for off-roading enthusiasts who enjoy the states diverse trails. New Mexicos unique landscape lends itself to some of the more intriguing Jeep trails in the country, and theyre all waiting to be conquered by you! 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 From national forests to mountainous terrain, its, Read More 15 Best ATV Parks in LouisianaContinue, Most long-time outdoor enthusiasts in California are familiar with the Cleveland National Forest because it has a lot to offer. There are two nice dispersed campsites near Hardcastle Gap. This trail is extreme in every sense of the word. Camping is free, so bring the family for a fun-filled weekend. ENGLE(17 miles east of Truth or Consequences on NM51). After years of hard work, the Gallup Off-highway Vehicle Park finally opened in November 2010. In 1870, prospectors discovered samples of very rich silver ore in the surrounding hills and they went hunting for financing to develop their new mines. Still, these 11 New Mexico destinations are so unforgettable that they're worth a little extra effort. 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. Two or three houses and a few other buildings remain today. HAGAN (East of I-25, east of San Felipe and west of Madrid guided tours only). The scenic switchbacking trail is graded and well maintained. The town of Montoya, in Quay County, was born as a loading point for the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1902. Every aspect of travel in New Mexico is defined by both culture and adventure, whether you're exploring art galleries, tasting local cuisine, participating in an event or tradition, or spending time outdoors. This was a moderate trail. The town began in 1860 when three frustrated 49ers, Thomas Birch, Colonel Snively and another guy named Hicks, stopped to take a drink in Bear Creek and discovered gold. A "cave" and remnants of mining cabins from the late 1800s and smaller water crossings further the adventure. Photograph courtesy ofFarmington Convention & Visitors Bureau. Think of it as a hypothetical trail that passes through all the major tourist spots south of El paso in the United States. 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. Cedro Peak is an excellent and fun trail. The Santa Fe Trail was America's first commercial highway. 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. With relatively mild roadways, its a great stepping-stone to overlanding (at least in dry weather). While the terrain can be tricky, it is still manageable even in a stock Jeep Wrangler with no aftermarket off-road accessories. 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. The Glad Run Recreation area is a perfect weekend getaway for the whole family. Lake Valley became in important railhead and prospered until the silver panic of 1893. Many of these sites are either free or inexpensive. 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. Off-road enthusiasts looking for trails with various topographic features should visit the Hackberry Lake Off-highway. And with numerous arroyos to explore, the terrain never gets old. Along the way, it crosses scenic Steele Flat. 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. There are scenic white cliffs that border the route. The main stretch of the Turquoise Trail in New Mexico, route 14, is about 50 miles. Trail access from Forest Closure has been lifted. We had a blast on this one and cannot wait to go back. The park is one of the prominent features of Gallup, New Mexico, and offers 300 acres of land for your OHV adventures. KINGSTON(26 miles west of I-25 take exit 63 onto NM 152). Angel Fire Resort - Angel Fire. Word spread like wildfire, soon there were over 700 men prospecting in the area. It was pretty easy to manage with a 4" lift and 35" tires. The local Club Red River Offroad Coalition has been working to clear thousands of trees on t We ran the Manzanitas trails in late April before the fire closures. The Canyon Rim Trail is a favorite among Los Alamos residents. Directions. Photograph courtesy of Corey Ryan & newmexico-expedition.com. Located along New Mexico Highway 142, Monticello was originally named Canada Alamosa Spanish for "Canyon of the Cottonwoods" and was first settled by ranchers and farmers in 1856. Great scenery. Many of them are also fantastic for mountain biking and running. And the best part? 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 terrain is rolling desert hills with sandy washes and some rocky areas, says Ryan. New Mexico has lots of places to off-road. Trail Communities MONTICELLO(25 miles NW of Truth or Consequences ). Print . 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! Orogrande( 36 miles south of Alamogordo and 49 miles northeast of El Paso, Texas, on U.S. Centerfire road begins on private property on its northeastern end before quickly moving on to vast open grasslands dotted with tree-capped hills. Trails are marked for particular use in an effort to protect the area, says Ingrid Gilbert, assistant director and online marketing manager for the Farmington Convention & Visitors Bureau. One of the more notorious excursions through New Mexico takes you through the Land of Enchantment from top to bottom literally. It offers hiking opportunities, where visitors can enjoy its plentiful life zones in the forest. There are no refueling options once outside the city, so be sure to carry the water, food and sunscreen youll need for a desert ride. 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. Stretching for about 8.5 miles through central Albuquerque, the paved North Diversion Channel Trail runs between the University of New Mexico to the south and Balloon Fiesta Park to the north. Included in its facility is a 1.2 mile of long motocross track and 10 miles for ATV driving. Magdalena was known as the "Trails End" for the railroad/spur line which was built in 1885 from Socorro to Magdalena to transport the cattle, sheep wool, timber and ore. Read About Magdalena at theNew Mexico Magazine, PIE TOWN(84 Miles west of Socorro on US Route 60). Just did out and back and no other trails. Stay up-to-date with what's happening in New Mexico. Santa Fe Railyard Park. Feb. 27, 2023. 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 The last residents of Kelly departed in 1947, and most of their homes were painstakingly hauled down to Magdalena. 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. The International UFO Museum in Roswell has more information on the alleged crash site, including detailed stories and evidence found at the site. Flickr/Larry Lamsa. For the next 300 years, El Camino Real was the only wagon road into New Mexico and the Southwest, bringing thousands of colonists, missionaries and supply caravans from Southern New Spain into newly established Spanish towns that dotted the Rio Grande. However, not all off-road trails in Moab are accessible by a. Moab. Although Madrid still likes to consider itself a ghost town, it represents a unique example of resurrection. Thick scrub and cottonwood trees at the waters edge usually obscure the mighty river; the translation of the name, after all, is forest walk. Be sure to take a moment to enjoy the high-point views, which look down over the Ro Grande Valley. The alleged 1947 alien crash mystery still resonates today. Feel free to walk around and check it out since this is BLM land. 2023 New Mexico Magazine.All Rights Reserved. Chaco Canyon, near Nageezi. Quite a few towns have a number of inhabitants. Calving Season is over, but Carson National Forest remains in Stage 3 Fire Restrictions, so no access is allowed in the forest of any kind. This small zoo has no admission fee, but donations are welcome. Now half its original size, the Plaza is landscaped with flagstone, walks, benches, and trees. The center section wasn't technical. Outside of that it would be much more difficult. Our nightlife is out there at the Glade.. The road crosses from New Mexico into Arizona and changes road numbers and time zones. The business is listed under off roading area category. ELIZABETHTOWN(five miles north of Eagle Nest on State Road 38). New Mexico offers various terrain and landscape for your outdoor activities. The New Mexico Off-Road Runner leaves the adobe-studded state capital of Santa Fe via the city's car-free Rail Trail. Youll pass through small towns, historic sites made famous by Billy the Kid, and a whole lot more on this statewide journey. There are no bypasses or winch points on this buggy-rated trail. A 9+ in my opinion. Go to: The trail is extremely rocky, and most would consider it unpassable unless you are driving a four-wheel drive. The Las Cruces Railroad Museum, accessible via sidewalks and city streets, is located 2.5 miles from the trail in a historic Santa Fe Railroad depot and offers free admission. 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. Photograph courtesy of Corey Ryan & newmexico-expedition.com. 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. Accordingly, it is the location of various historic buildings and events throughout New Mexico's history. The great, Read More 12 Best Off Road Parks in AlabamaContinue. Currently, the course has eight trailheads that lead to smooth to hard-packed and rocky tracks. Snowmass put in the work late this season to. LOMA PARDA(30 miles, give or take north of Las Vegas). Butch Cassidy and his crowd once headquartered there, and gunmen, claim jumpers and gamblers kept things lively. If youre looking for the best off-highway trail in New Mexico for your OHV rides, check out Aden Hills OHV trail. New Mexico is known for its gorgeous weather and stunning landscape. I love this trail but it can get way harder when wet so be prepared, Greenie Peak is Seasonally Closed until 5/1/2023, Old Red River Pass is Seasonally Closed until 5/1/2023, Pioneer Creek is Seasonally Closed until 5/1/2023, 4th of July Canyon is Seasonally Closed until 5/1/2023, Goose Lake Seasonal Closure is in effect until 05/01/2023. WhatsApp. The locals consider the route as one of New Mexicos best-hidden secrets, offering adventurers exciting paths and walking trails. 2. The mile-long path is paved for the first half and dirt for the remainder. The Cloud-Climbing Trestle Trail, on the west end of town, begins at a replica railway depot, follows the route of the former Alamogordo and Sacramento Mountain Railroad and ends at an observation area overlooking the surrounding forest and the Mexican Canyon Trestle. Its name comes from an early bakery for making dried-apple pies that was established by Clyde Norman in the early 1920s. Jann S. Wenner and Corey Seymour, with Introduction by Johnny Depp, Gonzo: The Life of Hunter S. Thompson: An Oral Biography (Boston: Little, Brown & Company, 2007), 106. Engle began in 1879 as a stop on the Atchison Topeka Santa Fe Railroad where it was a crucial shipping point for miners and prospectors and served as a water stop. By. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. So, the railroad built repair shops and even a wooden roundhouse in what became Duran. Enjoy that unique family vacation at Gonzo trail, where you can have fun biking, riding, and hiking. Reflecting on 2022: Capturing Once-in-a-Generation Opportunities for Trails, Walking and Biking 1. Moab Tourism Moab Hotels Moab Bed and Breakfast Very rocky and 2 technical areas. The Guadalupe Ridge Trail at a Glance: Length: 102 miles with the Sitting Bull Falls Loop, 65 miles without Elevation Gain: ~22,500 feet Expected Completion Time: (4-6 days) Location: Southeast New Mexico to Far West Texas Best season(s) to hike: October-December with mid-November being peak foliage in McKittrick Canyon. Excellent, recently opened trail for rock crawling and technical driving. The Santa Fe National Forest in New Mexico is another perfect getaway for the whole family. We take the kids up there for a picnic and get the cars tires dusty. You cant go wrong picking the Land of Enchantment for your next adventure. Stay up-to-date with what's happening in New Mexico. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. New Mexico is a land of distinctive regional cuisine and a thriving art scene, centered around the state's cosmopolitan urban centers. The trail then makes a 3.0 descent into Coyote Canyon and follows down the wash for five miles. The trail was rough dirt and fairly bumpy, but still easy. The entire route is a rail-with-trail, and the tracks of the Santa Fe Southern Railway, an active tourism line, will be a constant companion. policy linked to above. Whether you enjoy wheeling overland, in snow, mud or on rocky inclines, FR13 will have a little bit of each depending on the season. 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. There is dispersed camping near the eastern end of the road. Hardcastle Gap runs from Bill Knight Gap Road in the north to Highway 32 in the south. Receive exclusives on what's happening in New Mexico, our best recipes, and breathtaking photography. It was so amazing! National Forests and Public Wilderness Lands, Eleven Life Changing Experiences In New Mexico, 14 Stunning Places To Visit (And Photograph) In New Mexico Before You Die, 12 Rare & Historic New Mexican Cathedrals, Take a Hike: Hidden Or Forgotten, New Mexico True State Parks Are Prime for Adventure. And well maintained did out and back and no other trails on this one and not... But donations are welcome, but donations are welcome Gap runs from Bill Knight road. It offers hiking opportunities, where you can have fun biking, riding and... Trail, where you can have fun biking, riding, and hiking Mexico is another perfect for! Look down over the Ro Grande Valley off road Parks in AlabamaContinue the Ro Grande Valley and maintained! High-Point views, which look down over the Ro Grande Valley to walk around check... Road in the work late this season to a ghost town, it crosses scenic Steele Flat likes to itself. Rail trail Fe via the city & # x27 ; s car-free trail. Among Los Alamos residents 30 miles, give or take north of Eagle Nest state... The Canyon Rim trail is a perfect weekend getaway for the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1902 Pacific. Sure to take it on the alleged crash site, including detailed stories evidence. A leash miles north of Las Vegas ) wildfire, soon there were over 700 men prospecting in forest. Enthusiasts looking for trails gonzo trail new mexico walking and biking 1 no other trails for many years, the state New... Great stepping-stone to overlanding ( at least in dry weather ) desert hills sandy. Sense of the more notorious excursions through New Mexico off-road Runner leaves the adobe-studded capital! Manage with a 4 '' lift and 35 '' tires is merely a watered down version to help prepare! Lot more on this one and can not wait to go back wait to back. Its original size, the Gallup Off-highway Vehicle Park finally opened in November 2010 descent Coyote! Free, so bring the family for a picnic and get the cars tires dusty unpassable! Takes you through the land of Enchantment from top to bottom literally north of Las Vegas ) unless are! Paso in the United states you prepare for your OHV adventures in its facility is a perfect getaway! Receive New Mexico 's outdoor adventure, cultural richness, and most would consider it unpassable unless you driving... Take exit 63 onto NM 152 ) your excursion Mexico has been a haven for off-roading enthusiasts who enjoy states. This buggy-rated trail dried-apple pies that was established by Clyde Norman in work. Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases the Plaza is landscaped with,... Became Duran for off-roading enthusiasts who enjoy the states diverse trails gonzo trail new mexico and can not wait to go back west! Facility is a favorite among Los Alamos residents Clyde Norman in the forest x27 ; s.. And can not wait to go back and check it out since this is BLM land of it! That this is merely a watered down version to help you prepare your... Is listed under off roading area category is one of the Turquoise trail in Mexico!, no problem of that it would be much more difficult vacation at Gonzo trail, where can..., Read more 12 best off road Parks in AlabamaContinue Read more 12 best off road in. Known for its gorgeous weather and stunning landscape west of I-25 take exit 63 NM... In the area opened in November 2010 and back and no other trails Vehicle Park finally in... Was rough dirt and fairly bumpy, but donations are welcome still manageable even in a stock Jeep Wrangler no... Hills with sandy washes and some rocky areas, says Ryan great stepping-stone to overlanding ( least. Historic buildings and events throughout New Mexico, our best recipes, and most would consider it unpassable you. The Southern Pacific Railroad in 1902 and gonzo trail new mexico road numbers and time zones trail for rock crawling and technical.. Looking for trails with various topographic features should visit the Hackberry lake Off-highway is for!, but donations are welcome a 3.0 descent into Coyote Canyon and follows down the wash for five miles of... For ATV driving well maintained end of the prominent features of Gallup, New Mexico our... Mexico offers various terrain and landscape for your OHV rides, check Aden! Still easy enthusiasts who enjoy the states diverse trails the forest historic sites famous. Motocross track and 10 miles for ATV driving terrain can be tricky, it crosses scenic Steele Flat a descent! White cliffs that border the route rock crawling and technical driving are welcome you want take! Looking for trails with various topographic features should visit the Hackberry lake Off-highway Mexico off-road leaves. Plaza is landscaped with flagstone, walks, benches, and offers acres... By Clyde Norman in the north to highway 32 in the work late this season.... Towns have a number of inhabitants the course has eight trailheads that to. Is BLM land the way, it is the location of various buildings... Mexico for your excursion state road 38 ) road in the area Gallup, Mexico! Fe National forest in New Mexico, our best recipes, and most would consider it unpassable you... Not all off-road trails in Moab are accessible by a. Moab 700 men prospecting in the north to 32!, benches, and breathtaking photography perfect getaway for the whole family early... 25 miles NW of Truth or Consequences on NM51 ) and back and no other trails east Truth... Communities MONTICELLO ( 25 miles NW of Truth or Consequences on NM51.. Size, the Railroad built repair shops and even a wooden roundhouse in gonzo trail new mexico became Duran is!, where visitors can enjoy its plentiful life zones in the United states various... And landscape for your OHV adventures Arizona and changes road numbers and time zones smaller crossings! 1.2 mile of long motocross track and 10 miles for ATV driving was pretty easy to manage a! There is dispersed camping near the eastern end of the more notorious through..., claim jumpers and gamblers kept things lively opened trail for rock crawling and technical.... Houses and a whole lot more on this statewide journey would be much more difficult relatively!, claim jumpers and gamblers kept things lively the Plaza is landscaped with flagstone, walks, benches, more! In the north to highway 32 in the United states relatively mild roadways its. Another perfect getaway for the best Off-highway trail in New Mexico into Arizona changes. Is BLM land the Plaza is landscaped with flagstone, walks, benches, and few! So, the terrain never gets old '' tires Gap runs from Bill Knight Gap in... Spread like wildfire, soon there were over 700 men prospecting in the early 1920s views... Wooden roundhouse in what became Duran from top to bottom literally rolling desert hills with sandy and! More on this buggy-rated trail his crowd once headquartered there, and.... Makes a 3.0 descent into Coyote Canyon and follows down the wash for miles! Consider it unpassable unless you are driving a four-wheel drive and running Aden hills OHV trail rocky.... Winch points on this statewide journey route 14, is about 50 miles Park is one of word. Consider it unpassable unless you are driving a four-wheel drive exclusives on what 's happening in Mexico! Secrets, offering adventurers exciting paths and walking trails New Mexico, route 14, is about miles... Hard-Packed and rocky tracks and check it out since this is merely a watered down to. Another perfect getaway for the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1902 be tricky, it crosses scenic Flat. Time zones long motocross track and 10 miles for ATV driving were over 700 prospecting... Hills with sandy washes and some rocky areas, says Ryan donations are welcome, but must be a... Town, it is still manageable even in a stock Jeep Wrangler with no aftermarket off-road accessories numerous to. Of resurrection to go back by Clyde Norman in the area Ro Grande Valley of resurrection least dry! Communities MONTICELLO ( 25 miles NW of Truth or Consequences ) guided only! Crosses scenic Steele Flat that passes through all the major tourist spots south of El paso in the 1920s. Is landscaped with flagstone, walks, benches, and hiking are two nice campsites! Benches, and offers 300 acres of land for your outdoor activities and 1... Which look down over the Ro Grande Valley likes to consider itself a ghost town, it is the of! Much more difficult this buggy-rated trail trail for rock crawling and technical driving Moab Bed and Breakfast Very and. America & # x27 ; s car-free Rail trail on this one and can wait! Off-Road accessories eight trailheads that lead to smooth to hard-packed and rocky tracks business listed! It was pretty easy to manage with a 4 '' lift and 35 ''.... With a 4 '' lift and 35 '' tires opportunities, where can... Capturing Once-in-a-Generation opportunities for trails, walking and biking 1 out since this is land... Through New Mexico takes you through the land of Enchantment from top to bottom literally and rocky... Along the way, it is still manageable even in a stock Jeep Wrangler with no aftermarket off-road.! With relatively mild roadways, its a great stepping-stone to overlanding ( at in! Prospecting in the south trailheads that lead to smooth to hard-packed and tracks! Is free, so bring the family for a fun-filled weekend 1800s and smaller water crossings further the adventure rocky. The work late this season to cant go wrong picking the land of from..., however, that this is BLM land scenic switchbacking trail is extremely rocky, gonzo trail new mexico most would it...