Welcome back to an all-new post featuring the top trails and OHV parks across America!
In this post, I am highlighting five fan-favorite trails and parks that showcase the rugged beauty of New Mexico’s desert roads. These trails are rated from extremely easy to moderately hard, so depending on your build, you’ll surely find something that works for you.
Let’s dive into this week’s trails!
Table Of Contents
1. Burma Rd-Garcia Falls to Holdup Spur (FSR-377 to FSR-76)
Submission By: Chris (@trashpanda_t4r)
Tell Us About Your Favorite Spot
The area just south of the Apache Kid Wilderness located in Cibola National Forest provides an excellent balance of rocks, dirt, and thick forest trees. In addition to its diverse terrain, the views in the higher elevations, specifically towards the end of Burma Rd-Garcia Falls, where it intersects with Holdup Spur, are wide and vast.
With Vicks Peak to the west and Ramos Hills to the south with the San Mateo Mountains in the mix, you overlook the canyons below from Sam Hill to Whitewater Canyons and rolling valleys. Along the trek to Holdup Spur, you’ll find the Garcia Falls waterfall roughly 5.5 miles from the entrance. Waterfalls are not frequently found in this area, making this a unique land feature to explore and experience.
Holdup Spur is located at the end of the Burma Rd-Garcia Falls trail, just west of the Wild Horse and Whitetail Canyon.
What Difficulty Would You Rate This Spot?
Neither of the motorized trails mentioned above is difficult and will be easily completed by most high-clearance AWD vehicles.
Burma Rd-Garcia Falls is rated a 3/10 due to its loose rocky surface, possible shallow water crossings up to 10″, and a few short and steep grades. A portion of this road is single-vehicle-wide with little or no room for passing and no turnaround points. Many of the rocks that make up the surface are sharp, but there are no obstacles larger than 10″ in size for the length of the track.
Holdup Spur is a 1/10 in difficulty; the biggest challenge is the dense cactus and other mixes of desert and forest flora. However, there are several areas to disperse camp along the spur, just be aware of the potential high winds.
2. Cabezon Peak Area (Ojito Wilderness Study & Chamisa Wilderness Study)
Submission By: James (@joust1)
Tell Us About Your Favorite Spot
The Cabezon Peak area is located northwest of the Albuquerque metropolitan area. Although the landscape might seem like mundane desert terrain on the surface, it is filled with picturesque geographic features.
This area shines when explored off the beaten path. It reveals many interesting sites, including springs, hoodoos, slot canyons, petroglyphs, ruins, fossil beds, and extinct volcanoes. The whole area is incredible for soaking up the scenery and enjoying solitude.
The best time to explore the area is in the autumn and winter to avoid the spring dirt storms and intense summer heat.
What Difficulty Would You Rate This Spot?
Overall, the major pathways in this area would be considered easy (2/10). There are several side trails, spurs, canyons, and more technical washes, averaging about a 4/10 with some more challenging obstacles. Many of these side trails can end abruptly due to fresh carve-outs in the arroyos and washes after rains. However, they offer some entertaining climbs and opportunities to flex your suspension.
If the area gets significant precipitation, trekking through it can be difficult due to the thick clay-like mud that cakes up on your tires and sticks to everything. Several of the canyons and washes that we have explored went from fast-paced bombing through sandy curves to technical boulder fields.
3. Cedro Peak
Submission By: Jared (@truoverland)
Tell Us About Your Favorite Spot
Cedro Peak is near Albuquerque but puts you in the mountains just east of the city. It’s tucked into the woods with tight trails, many trees, and moderate challenges. A few steps and climbing obstacles are optional, but multiple challenging obstacles are mandatory. It’s a great trail where you can quickly get away and hang out with friends and family.
What Difficulty Would You Rate This Spot?
I’d rate this trail between a 2/10 and to 6/10. The harder-rated obstacle with 3 tiered steps has many different offshoots. However, the main trail tops out at about a 4/10 since it goes up rutted holes, rocks, and roots upward of 18″ deep. It’s a lot of fun for anyone looking to test out their truck.
4. Puerco
Submission By: Chris (@jonesing_taco)
Tell Us About Your Favorite Spot
The Puerco area is probably one of my favorite places to go off-road in New Mexico. It’s a 4×4 playground with pretty much anything you could ever want. It’s great for both beginners getting their feet wet and rock crawlers looking to have fun.
What Difficulty Would You Rate This Spot?
In terms of difficulty, I would rate some obstacles a 1/10 while the harder ones could be a 6/10. The varying degrees of difficulty are what make this place so awesome!
5. Gila National Forest
Submission By: Stefanie (@turasgirl_x3)
Tell Us About Your Favorite Spot
Venturing into the rugged beauty of Gila National Forest, nestled in the heart of New Mexico, is a journey filled with adventure and excitement. Surrounded by nature’s beauty and the thrill of the off-road journey, my 4Runner and I forged unforgettable memories that will forever be etched in my mind. Gila National Forest is the perfect destination for anyone seeking a scenic off-road experience amidst lush forests and panoramic views.
What Difficulty Would You Rate This Spot?
Exploring the rugged terrain of Gila National Forest offers a moderate challenge and decent thrill, making it a 3/10 in difficulty. With a capable and dependable vehicle, the possibilities for adventure here are endless.
Final Thoughts
And that wraps up this week’s trail features!
New Mexico offers an extensive network of trails and parks spanning hundreds of thousands of miles. Some are well-established routes or designated parks, while others lead off the beaten path. Regardless of your choice, one thing is certain: exploring the desert terrain promises plenty of excitement and enjoyment, whether you’re embarking on a day trip or planning a camping adventure.
Don’t forget to share your favorite trails below, and stay tuned for our next post featuring more fan-favorite trails.
