Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Clayton, New Mexico

Select a location:

NE Passage via Cimarron Canyon

This is a very long dirt road route connecting Clayton Lake State Park NM and Trinidad, Colorado. There is a shortcut that will eliminate approximately 20 miles (if you look at the route closely, it's…
Learn more about NE Passage via Cimarron Canyon
Total Miles
113.1
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Fa / Su / Wi

Trinchera Pass

Trinchera Pass is an easy gravel and dirt road that can be traversed in any 4x4 and most 2WD vehicles. It offers scenic views of the north side of the Johnson Mesa/Raton volcanic field and…
Learn more about Trinchera Pass
Total Miles
42.1
Tech Rating
1 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa

Mills Canyon Trail

This out and back trail traverses you through the Kiowa National Grasslands into the historic Mills Canyon. During good weather conditions any AWD vehicle should be fine for the first nine miles. After that, high…
Learn more about Mills Canyon Trail
Total Miles
10.1
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

Caprock Horseshoe

This area of New Mexico doesn't provide much regarding scenic off-roading or overlanding, but The Caprock is an exception. The edge of the Llano Estacado mesa provides a welcoming view over the flatlands and dairy…
Learn more about Caprock Horseshoe
Total Miles
11.3
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Fa / Su / Sp

Hidden Campsite Trail

This an easy trail that can be traveled by any high clearance 4x4, as long as conditions are dry. The first section is deep sand with a scenic drive along the side of the river.…
Learn more about Hidden Campsite Trail
Total Miles
2.9
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

Trestle Overlook

This is a trail to a scenic spot overlooking the Canadian River and a train trestle that spans it. It looks west, making it picture perfect for those legendary Texas panhandle sunsets or stargazing. Cell…
Learn more about Trestle Overlook
Total Miles
2.5
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

The Main Road

This is the Main Road, used to access many trailheads, campsites, and the only bathrooms in this area of Lake Meredith National Recreation Area (on this westerly side.) The first half is sandy, and the…
Learn more about The Main Road
Total Miles
3.6
Tech Rating
1 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi