Ortiz Mountain Pass

Total Miles
7.5

Technical Rating

Moderate

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Trail Type

Full-Width Road

Accessible By

Trail Overview

Ortiz Mountain Pass, when run in its entirety, gives a clear view of Los Alomos to the west, Montoso Peak to the southwest, and the Pecos Wilderness Mountains to the east. The trail begins on a primarily dirt two-track before changing to a more rocky surface as it begins its ascent at approximately 4 miles in from the entrance. There are several short steep grades on loose rocky surfaces with some rocks being up to 14" in size, tight turns through brush that impede on the trail as well as several small washes that have the potential to be shallow water crossings after wet weather or heavy snow melt. Cell service is weak through many areas of the trail with it improving towards the 4.5 mile mark at the high point of the trail at 6,903 feet in elevation. This is an out-and-back trail with no alternate exit with few areas wide enough to turn around.

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Difficulty

Drivers will encounter several short steep grades and larger loose rocks up to 14 inches in size. There are also some short off-camber sections, deeper rutting, and some signs of erosion throughout the trail.

Technical Rating

Status Reports

Went in the afternoon on a Saturday. Trail is very narrow in sections and is hard to follow without GPS especially at night. Loose rocks and steep sections throughout but no obstacles over 12" in height. I was in a Jeep TJ with 33" tires and only had to go into 4Low once due to my high gearing. The campsite at the very end of the trail is slightly windy but has amazing views. There is a fire pit there too.

Expect dirt road, loose rock, and solid rock. Not many ruts, which is a nice change foe the area. Quite a bit of "tire popper" rocks, so watch closely. Trail gets tight in a few areas. Overall a nice drive with varied terrain. Definitely a level 4 - most standard 4x4s would have a hard time. Definitely recommend All Terrain tires or letting some air out.

Wildlife like deer and many different bird species are in this area there are even wild horses living out this on this trail it’s very active in that sense. As for people there was signs to suggest recent activity prior to myself it was a difficult drive to get out towards the end of road but well worth the hike down towards the Rio Grande.