Manzanares Ridge - CR 520

Trail Overview

Manzanares Ridge (CR 520) is a gorgeous Sunday drive, winding through fields of sagebrush dotted with juniper and pinion trees. Its placement along the high point of Manzanares Mesa offers panoramic views as the trail skirts the tops of cliffs several hundred feet high. While this well-traveled oil access road is rated an "easy" 2 and presents little technical difficulty, it makes up for it with breathtaking vistas and access to spurs and routes of greater technical or cultural significance. Toward the eastern end of the trail, travelers can view and visit the Three Corn and Fortress Pueblitos. For more details about these historic sites, including GPS coordinates and information on obtaining a permit, visit https://www.aztecnm.com/archaeology/index.html.Pulling off to hike or explore one of the many side trails often reveals signs of elk, deer, or cattle.

Photos of Manzanares Ridge - CR 520

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Difficulty

The trail vacillates between one and two lanes, and is generally well-maintained. Heavy rutting was recently observed in some of the straight of ways but prudent route selection generally means 4 wheel drive and high clearance aren't necessarily required. As always weather conditions, precipitation, and recent traffic can greatly affect the difficulty of trail.

Technical Rating

Manzanares Ridge - CR 520 can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike