NE Passage via Cimarron Canyon

Total Miles
118.7

Elevation

1,918.61 ft

Duration

--

Technical Rating

2

Easy

Best Time

Spring, Fall, Summer, Winter

Trail Overview

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 evident where I'm talking about) In dry conditions, any vehicle with at least 5-6 inches of ground clearance can make it. It is mostly all flat with only only one dirt-inclined section. I saw a flock of turkeys and lots of cows (pictured) and two coyotes (not quick enough with the camera). Also, there is a gate you have to cross, just to be sure you leave it like you found it, which will probably be closed.

Photos of NE Passage via Cimarron Canyon

NE Passage via Cimarron Canyon
NE Passage via Cimarron Canyon
NE Passage via Cimarron Canyon

Difficulty

90% flat dirt road or flat dirt two-track. Only one dry creek bed to cross (pictured) and one section (200 yds) of approximately 5% incline.

Technical Rating

2

Status Reports

Nicholas Bishop
Apr 10, 2024
2021 GMC Sierra
Open
Normal
Dusty
Mostly well kept dirt ranching roads. Only one steep single lane switchback cutting down to the floor of the mesas. Drop is about 300ft.you can see it in my pics I used a variation of this listed trail to cut from Trinidad Colorado across New Mexico into Oklahoma to the Black Messas State Park. took roughly 3.5 hrs and that was with me stopping for pictures. Lots of cows, some kind of dear, prairie dogs and even a Peregrine Falcon.
Matt Lowe
Mar 16, 2024
4x4
Open
Beautiful trail, just outside of Trinidad. I hit it just after a major snowstorm, so it was pretty muddy, but had a blast.
Shawn Akens
Jan 13, 2024
4x4
Open
Great backroad to Trinidad from Texas if your tired of always driving hwy 64. Seen lots of wildlife despite 5 degree Temps outside. Drove 5 days after a blizzard yet roads where mostly plowed and snow mostly melted on the dirt roads. Might be a muddy ride if you catch it during/after a rain. Overall a great trip!
Harrison P
Oct 10, 2023
2022 Jeep Gladiator
Open
Dusty
Normal

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