Off-Road Trails in New Mexico

3.3 million acres in southwestern New Mexico, home to the Gila Wilderness, the first designated wilderness area in the US (1924). Rugged forest roads lead toward deep river canyons, cliff dwellings and hot springs. The wilderness itself is closed to all vehicles.

New Mexico's highest point surrounded by a network of forest roads through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. High desert meets alpine tundra above 12,000 feet.

Mountain forest roads through the Sangre de Cristo range above Santa Fe. Golden aspen corridors, alpine meadows, and ancient Pueblo ruins hidden in the forest.

Desert roads along the rim of the Rio Grande Gorge near Taos. The 800-foot-deep volcanic chasm cuts through the high desert sage plain with dramatic overlook access.

High-altitude trails through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains near Taos. Alpine tundra, wildflower meadows, and some of New Mexico's highest peaks accessed by challenging mountain roads.

Forest roads branching off the 84-mile Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains near Taos. Wheeler Peak, New Mexico's highest at 13,167 feet, towers above aspen-filled valleys and historic mining towns.

Scenic forest service roads through the Jemez Mountains with hot springs and camping.

Backcountry roads through the Tularosa Basin near White Sands National Park. Otherworldly white gypsum dunes, remote desert playas, and views of the Sacramento Mountains.

Backcountry roads through New Mexico's volcanic lava fields. Ancient lava flows, ice caves, sandstone bluffs, and Native American ruins create a landscape unlike anywhere else in the Southwest.

Mountain trails through the Sacramento and Guadalupe ranges of southern New Mexico. Dense pine forest, cool summer temperatures, and Billy the Kid's stomping grounds.

Mountain trails in the Sandia and Manzano ranges east of Albuquerque. Rocky forest roads climb from high desert grassland to 10,000-foot pine forests with city views below.