Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Las Cruces, New Mexico

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Lookout Point

This is a fairly easy run through the eastern middle Dona Anas to a nice overlook. The Starting point for this run is east of the South mountain bike parking lot and leads to the…
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Total Miles
3.2
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

Burleson Ridge

This spur runs off of Westside Road for three miles and ends at a locked gate, but there is a decent campsite on the right and ATV trails to the left. The end has a…
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Total Miles
36.8
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa

Gateway to Red Sands

The Gateway to Red Sands is a shallow, washed-out trail that has been used for years. While the majority of the trail is comparable to a dry riverbed and suitable for any 4WD vehicle, there…
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Total Miles
3.1
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Fa

Timberon Overland Express

The Timberon Overland Express is a great way to get a taste of overlanding without much preparation. The route can be run in either direction, as the entire trip is on county roads which cross…
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Total Miles
75.9
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Fa

Westside Road

This is a great beginner trail full of hiking, camping and hunting opportunities. The trail is about 28 miles with moderate traffic. There are a plethora of spurs that lead to ATV trails, other trails…
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Total Miles
10.9
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa

Westside Road - Mule Peak to Joplin Ridge

This trail is easily traversed in all types of vehicles, but low-clearance vehicles may have a hard time due to loose rocks, dirt ruts and larger rocks that protrude from the surface. The width of…
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Total Miles
3.7
Tech Rating
2 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa

Cottonwood Flat

This trail is a through trail beginning at Virden Road off Hwy 70 N, 15 min past Tularosa, and ending on La Luz Canyon Road. Elevation ranges from 5,900 to 7,825, and in winter months…
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Total Miles
11.9
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa

FR623

This is the Lincoln National Forest Road 623 from the Sunspot highway to the Chippaway Trailhead. It is rough in places, with plenty of sharp rocks, and there is a large water crossing that can…
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Total Miles
5.3
Tech Rating
2 Moderate
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

La Luz

This trail starts in High Rolls off of Old Firehouse Road. Pass the houses and it becomes a dirt, rock and gravel winding road. There are a few hiking trails along the way as you…
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Total Miles
8.1
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa

Laborcita Canyon

Laborcita Canyon Road is located in Lincoln National Forest, just Northeast of La Luz, NM. This trail runs North-South through the National Forest. The trail starts on pavement then turns to dirt about a mile…
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Total Miles
5.1
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Su / Fa

Bailey Canyon

This trail is a short three-mile switchback road that goes from Hwy 82 to the center of La luz trail. The views are very decent and there are a handful of decent campsites along the…
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Total Miles
2.8
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa

Three Mile Canyon Road

Three Mile Canyon Road is a Forest Service road located in the Sacramento Mountain range and Lincoln National Forest. The trail winds into the canyon and then back out to lead the traveler to Carr…
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Total Miles
9.6
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa

Hale Lake Trail

The trail is well maintained and easily accessible by most vehicles, however, 2WD passenger vehicles may find some of the rocky areas difficult. The road is primarily dirt and gravel mixed with some rock gardens…
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Total Miles
14.3
Tech Rating
1 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi

Five Mile Pass

Five Mile Pass is an unmaintained trail that tracks one of several valleys in the area with some changes in elevation and great views. The road is primarily dirt and rock, with some rock gardens…
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Total Miles
5
Tech Rating
3 Easy
Best Time
Sp / Su / Fa / Wi