NE Passage via Cimarron Canyon

Total Miles
118.7

Technical Rating

Easy

Best Time

Spring, Fall, Summer, Winter

Trail Type

Full-Width Road

Accessible By

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

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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

Status Reports

I recently took on the 4x4 trail from Clayton, New Mexico, to Trinidad, Colorado, covering 111 miles in about 4 hours and 43 minutes. With my dog along for the ride, we made plenty of stops to enjoy the surroundings, so without stops, the trip would probably take a bit less. The trail itself is mostly gravel, making for a solid but not overly technical off-road experience. Scenery-wise, it’s a great route with lots of open views of rugged landscapes—a real treat if you’re into remote, expansive terrain. There’s only one gate on the route that remains closed. Just be sure to leave it closed behind you, and you’re good to go. We decided to take Trinchera Pass Trail as the final stretch to Trinidad, which was a nice choice to wrap up the drive. Overall, a fun, scenic trail that’s perfect if you’re looking for a straightforward off-road adventure with some great Colorado views. Highly recommend if you’re passing through or looking for a dog-friendly outing!

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.

Beautiful trail, just outside of Trinidad. I hit it just after a major snowstorm, so it was pretty muddy, but had a blast.

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!