Quebradas Backcountry Byway

The Quebradas Backcountry Byway is a National Scenic Byway, starting north of Socorro and zipping through the desert down to Highway 380. Along the way, you will see a variety of desert landscapes, with rainbow-hued stratification visible on the mountains to the east. The start of the route also serves as an access road for the more challenging trails in Gordy's Hill. Quebradas start from a paved road on the East banks of the Rio Grande. Most of the road is graded gravel and even has guard rails in places. Initially, the route heads east, climbing onto the mesa that is the center of Gordy's Hill Area. The road then descends to cross a dry creek bed (watch for flash flooding) before turning south through the desert. Do note that there is a small section after the dry creek bed which has private land around it. Once turning southward, the trail features numerous dispersed camping opportunities with great vistas. This is a great trail to do in virtually any vehicle, providing easy access to the wonders of the desert.