Trail Overview

Street Legal, 4WD, High Clearance vehicles only. This road leads to one of the most scenic views in the Park. Expect rolling hills, some loose rocks, and the highest level of pinstriping in the Park while traversing the creek bed. This is an out-and-back once passing the Rancherias Loop intersection. Guale Mesa Trailhead is the gateway for hiking in the Park. The longest hiking trails with the most elevation changes start at this trailhead. The most sought-after campsite, Guale 2, is at the end of the road.

Photos of BBRSP - Guale Mesa Road

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Difficulty

Guale Mesa Road is only maintained when the road is restricted by nature. Officials will keep the road open to allow access to the hiking trailhead. Departing Guale 2, there is one off-camber section that requires full attention of the driver as it is loose rock, and most vehicles will lift a wheel. This road is a narrow two-track, and leaving the surface will result in tire damage.

History

This was one of the wagon trails that accessed the Ranch from the Rio Grande below. Remnants of the road can still be seen from the campsites, and one should be encouraged to hike the old trail to see the stone work in place to keep the trail from washing out.

Technical Rating

Lance Echols

Apr 26, 2026

Open

Guale Rd /Oso Loop was a challenging adventure for me in a 2023 Tundra TRD Pro all the way to Guale 2 Campsite. Trail is rated a 3 but sections of it in my opinion are 4/5 , especially right before you drop into Guale 2 campsite. If you are camping be aware of the Madre winds at night as they get super high on Guale 2 campsite. Truck was a 2023 TRD pro tundra Wescott Kit on 295s , Jeep was a Gladiator 3.5 lift on 35s. Tons of pin-striping and a few rubs

Mark Clark

Dec 29, 2025

Open

Going down from Oso loop into Guale Mesa, you'll definitely scratch paint. Rugged and remote. Beautiful vistas and views. Worth the drive. Recommend 4x4 only, as some areas had loose round stones and sliding rocks, coming up over smaller ledges on some of the areas. Would not recommend in an awd or small suv.

Aaron

Nov 06, 2025

Open

great ride! stock Bronco Badlands (super fun with manual transmission!). no problems getting to Guale 2. it takes almost exactly 60 minutes to get to GM2 from the main park road. fabulous campsite and worth every pinstripe! never saw another soul for 4 days