Meadow Ridge Loop

Total Miles 6.4
Technical Rating
5 Moderate
Best Time Spring, Summer, Fall
Trail Type High-Clearance 4x4 Trail
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

Meadow Ridge Loop is a part of the Cedro peak network of trails in the south half of the Sandia Ranger district. This trail has some areas with significant challenges for stock vehicles, including one major obstacle with no bypass, which can easily damage rocker panels without rock sliders. It also features multiple sections of slopes with loose rock and ledges of varying size in tight spaces that make line selection challenging.The meadows for which the loop is named provide long views into the heart of the Monzano Mountains. In the late summer and fall, these meadows have wildflowers that provide excellent picture opportunities. When driving this trail, pay close attention to posted signs regarding private land. The first part of the trail winds through several private land areas that are poorly marked. Best practice is to follow the instructions of any posted signs. Additionally, proceed with caution during rain and other adverse weather conditions. The dirt that makes the base of several sections of trail will quickly turn into slick mud with any kind of precipitation. The trail is usually closed in the winter, due to potential damage by large tires on the wet/icy trails. For those with lifted rigs living in Albuquerque, this trail is a great half-day exploration, especially if you add the spur-off to Cedro peak.

Photos of Meadow Ridge Loop

Difficulty

About 40-50% of the trail is easy, with nothing more than ruts. However, the Meadow Ridge Road portion of the trail has an extremely difficult obstacle. Additionally, the descent back to the main trail features multiple rock shelfs and long sections of road bed that are loose rocks.

Technical Rating

5

Status Reports

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Dante Bianchini
Sep 21, 2025
Open
Nice ruts and mud puddles. Had a ton of fun on this trail. There was a couple puddles that were a little under 3’ deep that we didn’t get pictures of, All of which had bypass. Most of them 1-2’ deep. One real technical spot with large rocks and steep descend.
Jay Bremmer
Mar 15, 2025
Open
Muddy and but for the most part not bad. One section we had to do a quick winch to get over a muddy double rock step up but otherwise coasting!
Ana Garay
Dec 26, 2024
Open
Chris Thomas
Oct 09, 2024
Open
Ruts but easy to stratle. it also looks like some were plowed down. While the trail may be rated a 5 it is a difficult 5 unless you are super lifted. Some of the rock sections are no joke. Highly recommend a spotter.
Dillon crespi
Sep 14, 2024
Open
Alex lewis
Jul 13, 2024
Open
Really rutted and after the rain these past couple days it's got some pretty good mud holes to cross.
Blaine Wiles
Jul 07, 2024
Open
bryson wolfe
May 19, 2024
Open
Rutted out in several spots
Sean T
May 05, 2024
Open
Forest Service temporary closure of Meadow Ridge Loop for mechanical thinning operations. Sign posted at junction of FR13 and FR462 says till 31 May unless otherwise posted. The giant forestry mulching machines throw debris a long way so best to observe this.
Grim martial
Feb 04, 2024
Open
Slightly high rocks
Derek Hutchinson
Jan 28, 2024
Open
Derek Hutchinson
Jan 14, 2024
Open
Sean T
Sep 17, 2023
Open
Ehab Eassa
Jul 13, 2023
Open
Adam Frederick
Jul 08, 2023
Open

Meadow Ridge Loop Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance

Meadow Ridge Loop Map

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