Bottletree Loop

A nice intermediate trail with views of the Rio Grande to the west and going to the base of some small mountains to the east. Can be an eight-mile loop, or it might be an out-and-back. At the start of the loop is the determining factor. There is a washed-out section in the first 75 yards if you turn right (counterclockwise). This will be the last 75 yards if you go straight (clockwise). This section technically is still a level 5 with 24" sides to the washout, but dropping a tire into the wash could easily cause a tip over or a lengthy recovery. The rest of the trail is just fun. There is a tippy section, but it feels worse than it is. One short, steep climb required a locker to complete, although A-TRAC or other traction control would probably get you through. The trail passes very close to an old mineshaft, but be aware that this section is on public land. Most of the trail is BLM. Summer brings very high temperatures and the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms. As the trail goes in and out of several washes, it should be avoided if any thunderstorms are in the area due to flash flood risk.