Off-Road Trails: New Mexico

With 8,700 acres of off-road recreation ready for your family enjoyment, Aden Hills OHV area is one of the most popular places to ride in the state. Open desert and sandy trails characterize the terrain in this area. Off-roaders are free to bring their camping setup to this location as well. Camping is permitted, but there are no designated campsites - come prepared for primitive camping. With no fee collected and an open riding season year-around, Aden Hills is a spot that should absolutely be on your list of ride areas in New Mexico!

Sand dunes bring character to an otherwise sparse desert landscape just outside of Farmington, NM. A total of 800 acres of sand dunes and desert trails await, and camping is allowed here, but expect primitive conditions. Local stores are plentiful in the Farmington area.

Just like many of the riding areas in New Mexico, Johnson (Gordy's) Hill is characterized by very scenic views of sandstone cliffs and beautiful desert trails. There are also sand dunes and massive hills climbs mixed in for off-road recreation enjoyment with family and friends. Some of the technical climbs will require precise driving and plenty of horsepower. Camping is permitted in this riding area, but be sure to bring your own supplies as the area is sparse.

Characterized by a large hill climb and many surrounding trails, Montessa OHV Park has something for everybody. Some 577 acres are open for your riding enjoyment, but plan accordingly as camping is not allowed in this primitive area. Albuquerque is the closest large town and has plenty of supplies for you. Be prepared when you come to this location as there is no shade or water in the area. The park is open for year around activities.

For being in the middle of the desert southwest, Mescalero Sands North Dune is surprisingly scenic with an abundance of mature cottonwood trees that dot the landscape. It is said that the water table is very shallow here, thus allowing the trees to thrive. Plus, taking a family break is this mostly arid place is welcomed with the shade of these trees. Approximately 610 acres of sand dunes are open for riding enjoyment. Open year around, this area has RV camping in the north, middle, and south parking lots, plus you are allowed to camp dispersed in the dunes. However, it is advised that you have experience driving in soft sand before you attempt to drive a street vehicle in it. With this remote location in mind, please pack all of your items from Roswell so you are prepared when you arrive in the dunes.

The Big Burro Mountains are part of the massive Gila National Forest and the area offers hundreds of miles of trails through wooded terrain and some rocky areas. There are a few expert level trails and obstacles, and some nice easy-going gravel roadways that appeal to riders of all skill levels. There is some high desert vegetation and some amazing scenery that make this a great place to go. Camping is available along with cabin and RV rentals and trail access is right off the campsites, so you can get up and ride.