Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Cañones, New Mexico

Abiquiu Dam trail starts with a short paved section at the top of the dam and works its way down some switchbacks to the base of the dam where the road turns to dirt. This…
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This trail begins by turning right onto FS 23 from US 84 North, just south of Route 96 turn off to the lake. You will begin climbing in elevation and the views to the west…
Learn more about FS 23/FS 137 Abiquiu to El Rito

The "road less traveled" describes this peaceful, unique high mountain trail. The peacefulness is due to the trail being sheltered from the wind and the uniqueness is due to the gigantic boulders that line your…
Learn more about Boulder Wash - FR 451

This trail takes you up into the Santa Fe National Forest. This is an easy trail for most with AWD or 4WD. Make sure you have gas as this is a vast mountain range where…
Learn more about Encino Mountain Trail

This rocky route travels through a dense forest along a mesa top with several unavoidable mud holes. The road is eroded and rutted in places, and fallen trees may need to be moved depending on…
Learn more about Cienega Redonda - FS 27

This is a relatively easy 5.7 mile route off of FR 144. The route winds through Ponderosa Pines and Aspens with some beautiful, secluded camping spots. It also leads to a choice of other trails…
Learn more about FR 449

This route has incredible views near FR 144 of Canones Creek and in the distance of Abiquiu Valley. The elevation is over 10,000 feet at the highest point. Two local wildland firefighters named this trail…
Learn more about Burny Cole Point - FR 99

Chama Canyon is an incredibly scenic trail that skirts the Chama River while being nestled amongst colorful cliffs. The entire area has several points of interest, including Abiquiu Reservoir, Ghost Ranch, and Echo Amphitheater, to…
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The Chama Canyon Cliffside Loop is an optional scenic trail that diverges from Chama Canyon and follows the base of colorfully layered cliffs. Though short in length, the trail offers some amazing views. This trail…
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Beautiful scenic canyon drive to the Coyote Canyon Camping Area. The route is a maintained gravel/dirt road that starts in the town of Coyote, New Mexico. The route takes you south approximately 6.5 miles ending…
Learn more about Coyote Camp Run

This rocky route travels along Coyote Creek on the western side and then climbs steeply through thick scrub oak to ponderosa pine meadows on the eastern side where it meets FR 100. The scrub oak…
Learn more about FR 317 Hey Bear?

Clara Peak a relatively relaxed drive starting through the plains of the lower BLM land east of Espanola before starting to climb in the Santa Fe National Forest. 31 mile road which lasts the majority…
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Green Camp Canyon is an overlander and camper's paradise. The well-maintained service trail is surrounded by thick trees and lush green foliage, with no obstacles over 10 inches in size that are only found at…
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This scenic route drives through the eastern edge of Valle San Antonio, before going through a ravine and opening into the wide open spaces of Valle Toledo. It is the primary access route for many…
Learn more about Valle Toledo Road

For those seeking unique vistas in the cool New Mexico high country, Valles Caldera is a must-visit opportunity. This is the main route through the center of Valles Caldera National Preserve. It crosses a wide-open…
Learn more about Valle Grande Edge

Valle San Antonio forms the main portion of the backcountry in the northern half of Valles Caldera. This wide valley has a small creek running through the bottom, with numerous opportunities for fishing and hiking,…
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At the end of the trail, there are beautiful views of the surrounding red mesas and mountaintops. The route is an unmaintained dirt road that breaks off from FR316. During rain/snow conditions, the route is…
Learn more about Pinabetosa Water Break

This easy route connects the Coyote Canyon Camping area with FR 103 Mountain Escape. It travels through an incredible ponderosa pine forest that still shows the burn scars of the Diego Fire in 2014. The…
Learn more about FR 316 Coyote Canyon

This trail connects FR 315- Easy Cruise with FR 316- Coyote Canyon. It travels through dense forests and open meadows. Majestic Ponderosa Pine trees tower 150 feet in the air slightly higher than the fir…
Learn more about Mesa del Ojo - FS 453

FR445B is a major access road providing access to the western trail system in the area. 445B features a rock bed surface, providing a natural and rugged experience while remaining accessible to most vehicles equipped…
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This is a peaceful, easy, beautiful trail that winds through aspen glades, scrub oak, ponderosa pines, and beautiful meadows. The trail is mostly level with gradual climbs and descents. The west end connects with FR…
Learn more about Easy Cruise - FS 315

Corral Canyon is a 4.2-mile single track in the Sante Fe National Forest north of the town of Los Alamos and is probably the most fun and most popular dirt bike trail in this area.…
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Pajarito (FR446CC) serves as an access road used to connect users to the northern trail system. The road begins at the end of Maria's Canyon, with a notable landmark, the large open grazing area that…
Learn more about Pajarito - FR 446CC

Corral Jumper is a short trail, that connects FS Roads 831 and 445C. The trail can be rather hard to find at first and may require some route-finding skills but does offer a few small…
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This route is well-maintained and is an easy shortcut to get to FR 103 from Highway 96 and vice versa. There are some dispersed camping spots along the way. There are some private properties, but…
Learn more about Agua Sarca - FR 172

Maria's Canyon, FS 416, is a scenic off-road forest service road that offers an engaging experience and serves as the main access route into the extensive trail system in the area, making it a vital…
Learn more about Maria's Canyon - FS 416

Cany is a road-width braided trail in the Sante Fe National Forest north of the town of Los Alamos. It's a short trail, 0.9 miles, that connects FS Roads 446 and 445. The trail is…
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Guaje Connector Trail is Forest Service Road #803. This trail connects Guaje Canyon up to Guaje Ridge and back over to town just behind the Guaje Pines Cemetery. As the trail climbs out of Guaje…
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Chupaderos Spur is an easy road-width trail that starts off Chupaderos Road 446. It's a dead-end trail that doesn't really end at anything but could be fun for a beginner to explore the area since…
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Chupaderos Connector is primarily a section of Forrest Service Road 446 that connects Forrest Service Road 446H and the trail head Chupaderos Spur 824. It is an easy, full-width trail with no natural obstacles. There…
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