Even within the American Southwest, New Mexico has lots of unique landscapes that bring people from all over — not just to enjoy the scenery, but to participate in it. We get visitors who come to run, paddle, mountain bike, boat… and, maybe the most high-octane: go off-roading!
The desert vistas make a beautiful backdrop for off-roading, while the trails offer up everything from beginner-friendly spaces to thrilling grades with tricky obstacles. Many of these trails twist and turn near New Mexico’s wonderful rivers, yet at the same time, the arid climate provides ideal conditions for off-roading.
With hundreds of miles of off roading trails and scenery made up of our mountains, deserts, and unique rock formations, it really is an off-roader’s paradise — and Farmington is a great place to start any New Mexican off-roading adventure!
Things to know before you go (and how to prepare)
First off, state regulations:
If you’re a resident, New Mexico requires you have a mandatory registration for any OHV — off-highway vehicle — used on public land, displayed as a validated decal. Non-residents may operate an OHV, ATV, or ROV — that’s all-terrain vehicles or recreational off-highway vehicles, on public land and be in compliance with state regulations as long as they are currently in compliance with another state’s off-highway vehicle registration requirements.
Also, it’s critical that you obey signage; trail restrictions on certain trails limit motorized vehicle usage or dictate the size of vehicles allowed — for example, two-wheel dirt bikes may be allowed while OHVs may not be — to protect environments in which larger vehicles would be too disruptive or erosive.
Not only is this just a matter of respecting and protecting the environment and its ecosystem, but there could be serious consequences if you’re caught. Basically: It’s in everyone’s best interest to respect the rules of where you can — and can’t — go full throttle.
Lastly, what about choosing your route — and making sure you don’t accidentally take a wrong turn?
First, we advise checking trail conditions to make sure everything is good (and there aren’t any disruptions or restrictions).
Otherwise, we also recommend downloading any necessary maps prior to departure. This could be something that’s easy to slip your mind but, given service can be spotty and “getting lost in arid mountain trails” can go very wrong, we can’t emphasize it enough.
Off-road destinations to explore
Of course, there are loads of off-roading trails throughout New Mexico for all sorts of OHVs, whether ATVs, side-by-side UTVs, or dirt bikes. It would be impossible to go over all of them without making a veritable bible of trails much longer than this page, so we’ll focus on ones near us in Farmington.
Glade Run Recreation Area
Glade Run Recreation Area offers outdoor enthusiasts 19,000 acres of sandy arroyos, slick rock, and rolling terrain to explore. The northern three-quarters of the recreation area is zoned for limited use, with 40+ miles of trails for equestrian and mountain bike trails. While on the south end, there are 3,800 acres of open OHV use area. Chokecherry Canyon and Brown Springs OHV Recreation Area & Campground are located in this open OHV use area and are well known for the variety and quality of the off-roading experience they offer.
Brown Springs OHV Recreation Area & Campground
Within the Glade Run Recreation area, about 20 minutes north of Farmington by car, is Brown Springs - a popular off roading campground and recreational area. This region offers a really versatile range of difficulty, from tracks for training and a small, child-friendly one, to rock crawling for experienced riders looking for a challenge.
Chokecherry Canyon Recreation Area
Also located within Glade Run Recreation Area — about a 15-minute drive from Brown Springs — Chokecherry Canyon has over two-dozen trails, many of which are especially well-suited for UTV drivers looking to test their technical skills. You’ll find wash runs and intense rock crawling for very experienced drivers, plus plenty of options for drivers to test themselves who have some experience but less expertise.
Dunes Vehicle Recreation Area
Five minutes south of Farmington is Dunes, which has been a spot for off-roading for nearly 40 years. With 800 acres for off-roading, part of its appeal is its variety of topography: You’ll find sand dunes, hillsides, and sandy arroyo washes. The angles can vary from rolling and easy to pretty steep for more excitement.
It should be noted, however, that, while the Dunes Vehicle Recreation Area starts so close to Farmington, once you get out there it’s quite remote — your preparations should reflect this. An open area, there are no maintained trails nor facilities, including potable water. Keep this in mind when you’re heading out there.
Head Canyon OHV Recreation Area
Right by Dunes is Head Canyon. This spot is ideal for young riders and beginners looking to get some more experience.
Unlike the open Dunes Vehicle Recreation Area, Head Canyon is a single-track loop. While it’s a great spot for less-experienced riders to practice before heading up to spots like Glade Run, they should still be able safely go at moderate speeds for multiple miles.
Planning your off-roading trip
Of course, the first and most important thing here is safety. Always carry essential gear — water, food, satellite or emergency communicator, and either paper or downloaded maps — and always respect private land, local regulations, and designated routes.
Other preparations to keep in mind:
- Create a clear plan before departing and make sure everyone in your party is on the same page.
- Double-check the trail — make sure the difficulty level for your planned trail is a level you’re comfortable with, and that the conditions are clear.
- If you’re newer or just want the assurance of a leader familiar with the area, guided tours are available too. Bear Automotive Off-Road Adventures are located in town and offer both rentals and guides.
Otherwise, there are lots of local resources: Cliffhangers Four-Wheel Drive Club, 505 Outsiders, and Ultimate Performance UTV are great local groups that can offer their expertise.
As for what to do and where to stay the other, non-off-roading hours of the day? Within Farmington or nearby, there are lots of camping options, RV parks, and hotels available — plus many restaurants, bars, and other entertainment options.
We hope to see you soon!