Where to Off-Road in New Mexico Artesia NM

If you’re looking for an easy overland adventure without much technicality, the Enchanted Rockies trail spans approximately 800 miles between the tiny town of Queen, just outside Carlsbad, and ends in Estes Park, Colorado. Considered ‘off-pavement terrain,’ this trail offers mild roadways with spectacular views along the way. Some of the best views you can get are in a 140-mile stretch between Pecos and Angel Fire, winding toward Santa Fe and ending up in higher elevations where you’re rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Carson National Forest. Along the 800-mile trail, you can find numerous places to camp and enjoy your surroundings. A great pit stop is Smokey Bear Historical Park in Capitán, which commemorates the iconic cub who started the fire prevention campaign in 1994. What started as an artist’s painting was personified by a real cub rescued by forest firefighters in 1950 from a fire in Lincoln National Forest.

If you’re looking to really test your Jeep’s capabilities and your own skills, Chokecherry Canyon is a go-to destination for New Mexico off-road enthusiasts. The vast trail system offers dirt and gravel roads for beginners while there are also extreme rock crawling locations along the routes as well. The local Chokecherry Crawlers off-road club maintains the area and has put in lots of effort into classifying the trails. At trailheads of extreme terrain, you may see signs that read “rollovers likely.” If you see these, be mindful that these are the “expert only” type trails. The tough terrain includes slick rocks, sandy washes, boulders, and rock formations, making it a dream rock-crawling destination. Chokecherry Canyon is located in the Glade Run Recreation Area within the Farmington city limits, known as the Glade by locals. The Glade is known for its world-class stargazing, so be sure to stay after sundown with a blanket and some snacks!

Johnson’s Hill, also known as Gordy’s Hill OHV Trail is another great day trip for off-roaders. Featuring limestone and sandstone bluffs alongside miles of desert trails, this park is enjoyable for beginners and experts alike. The terrain is found on rolling dessert hills in Socorro and offers sandy washes with a side of a few rocky areas. The high-point views look down over the Rio Grande Valley, so be sure to stop at the top and take in the views. With numerous dried-up brooks, known as arroyos, there’s always something new for trail riders!

Whether you’re just starting out your off-roading endeavor or have years of experience, New Mexico is a great place to hone your off-roading skills. If you’re looking to get off-road ready in New Mexico, Tate Branch Artesia is your go-to destination. In addition to a wide range of off-road ready Jeeps like the Wrangler, Gladiator, or Grand Cherokee, we offer access to Mopar parts and Jeep Performance Parts to take your off-roading Jeep to new heights. Use the contact form below to reach our team regarding sales, parts, or service! We look forward to hearing from you soon!