Trail Overview

This route is generally easy, with only a few areas requiring moderate ground clearance. It offers excellent scenery, including wetlands created by beavers along the Rio Chiquito. Numerous scenic campsites can be found beside the river. Trailers are not recommended, and cell service is limited for most of the trail. Travel is possible in either direction.

Photos of Rio Chaquito

Want to see more?
View All Photos

Difficulty

This trail is long and remote with a rough surface and a few washed-out sections.

Technical Rating

Joseph Cole

Jun 03, 2026

Open

This trail was amazing easy peaceful ride nice streams running on trail as well

Ryan Kocher

May 10, 2026

Open

Trail was in good shape. A little wet and muddy is certain area. The amount of trash is concerning. If you are out riding these trails throwing beer cans from your vehicle and trashing campsites please just stay home.

Harper Higdon

Apr 23, 2026

Open

Opened early for the season but there is a little bit of water at one point and a mud pit that is at least 15” deep. You can go around the mud pit though. Also if you are using this area CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF there is trash everywhere at some of the camp spots

Gary Reischauer

Mar 14, 2026

Open

Marcus Gutierrez

Dec 30, 2025

Open

Entered from Taos side. Trail started dry with some mud/ice but nothing major. Snow started around 9k feet with some deeper packed powder (~8in at the deepest). I didn’t need them, but it’d be advisable to bring traction boards IMO. Ran 4Low in sections but was able to do most in 4H / 2H. Saw four other vehicles on the trail. FWIW was in range of several Meshtastic nodes if you’re part of the community

Jay W

Dec 30, 2025

Open

Snow surprisingly still gets deeper as you get higher and higher despite the warm temps lately, especially on North facing aspects. Decided to turn around, as I’m not familiar with what to expect ahead, though tracks suggest vehicles have traveled through.

Bradley Jenkins

Dec 21, 2025

Open

This is a beautiful drive, however, I turned around at about 12.3 miles and near 9,300' [478], the snow was pretty deep higher up and very slippery as the trail became steeper. I entered from the Taos side. The best bet in snow is to follow 437 all the way through. I didn't anticipate the snow depth given the dry spell and warm weather we have had.

Robert Gray

Nov 27, 2025

Open

Out of all the trails we hit this week, I would have to say this was the best. Winding our way through the mountains, this trail has multiple disperse campsites along the creeks with ample space for at least 2-3 vehicles with rooftop tents. Other areas you might get a smaller trailer in. Mostly a one lane trail with limited space to pass, narrow wooden bridges for creek crossings. I know different areas rate trails differently, so I would call this a 2 at most.