Hay Mesa - Trail 976

Trail Overview

Motorized Trail #976 is a two-track trail for ATVs and dirtbikes that ascends from the Mimbres River trail, first heading up a small canyon before climbing steeply up a ridge, heading along the top of Hay Mesa, and ending at the Aldo Leopold Wilderness boundary. The trail junction with the Mimbres River trail is just after a cattle gate. The trail heads east upstream through a wooded wash with a few dry rocky crossings. At 1.6 miles, the trail splits off from the wash, follows two switchbacks, and then rapidly ascends the ridge. This climb is steep, and the surface is a loose mixture of cobbles and some small boulders. Once the trail reaches the top of the ridge and continues onto Hay Mesa, the grade flattens, and the surface becomes smooth soil with scattered loose rocks. The trail gradually climbs in elevation, and there are scattered views of the wilderness and the Mimbres Valley. There was an intermittent cell connection at the top of the ridge.

Photos of Hay Mesa - Trail 976

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Difficulty

The trail is easy except for the initial climb up the ridge, which is steep for the area, loose, and rocky. Care needs to be taken to control speed on the descent. There is no exposure.

Technical Rating

Hay Mesa - Trail 976 can be accessed by the following ride types:

• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike