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New Mexico doesn’t always get the spotlight when it comes to offroading, but it should. The Land of Enchantment offers an incredible mix of high-country alpine trails, colorful desert canyons, and rugged rock crawling. From quick day trips outside Albuquerque to remote multi-day adventures, the state delivers something for every kind of driver.
The ADV Fiberglass team pulled together our list of the top five off-road destinations in New Mexico. These routes range from scenic cruises to technical challenges—and all of them are worth adding to your trail bucket list.
Location: Near Red River, northern New Mexico
Length: 7.3 miles (one way)
Goose Lake is one of the crown jewels of northern New Mexico offroading. The trail begins in the mountain town of Red River and climbs nearly 3,000 feet through Carson National Forest. Along the way, you’ll cross creeks, navigate steep switchbacks, and pass remnants of old mining cabins that hint at the area’s history. The trail ends at Goose Lake, a high-alpine gem perfect for camping, fishing, or just taking in the quiet beauty at over 11,000 feet.
This trail is accessible during the warmer months, but snow can linger well into summer, so always check conditions before you go. While it’s not the most technical route in the state, the elevation gain and water crossings make it a solid challenge for intermediate drivers.
Why Ride Here?
One of the bestscenic challenges in the state, rewarding you with an alpine lake at the end.
Great for camping or making an overnight offroad adventure out of the trip.
Close to Red River, which offers restaurants, gear shops, and lodging for easy basecamp access.
Location: Just east of Albuquerque
Length: About 6 miles
If you’re looking for a quick getaway near the city, Chamisoso Canyon delivers. Located in the Manzanita Mountains, this 6-mile route winds through wooded areas, meadows, and low ridges. It’s less about technical difficulty and more about accessibility—it’s one of the easiest ways to get off pavement without driving hours away.
The trail is especially popular with Albuquerque locals who want a half-day outing. Because it’s short and manageable, Chamisoso is a great option for testing out new mods or bringing beginner offroaders along for their first trail experience.
Why Ride Here?
Aquick, accessible ride that’s close to Albuquerque.
Beginner-friendly terrain that’s perfect for newer drivers or testing builds.
Offers a mix of wooded scenery and open spaces without committing to a full-day trip
Location: East of Socorro, central New Mexico
Length: 24 miles
The Quebradas Backcountry Byway is where New Mexico’s geology takes center stage. The 24-mile route cuts through desert badlands filled with colorful cliffs, sandstone formations, and volcanic rock. It’s primarily a scenic drive, making it one of the most rewarding routes if you want a mix of views and solitude.
What sets Quebradas apart is its flexibility. The main byway is rated easy and suitable for most high-clearance vehicles, but numerous side trails branch off to provide more technical challenges for those who want to push their rigs harder. With the Socorro area nearby, you can easily turn this into a day trip with time left over for exploring local history and culture.
Why Ride Here?
Best forscenic cruising, with striking desert landscapes and endless photo ops.
Great for families or groups with mixed driving experience—stick to the byway or explore tougher offshoots.
Ideal winter or spring ride when the desert temperatures are milder.
Location: Just northwest of Las Cruces
Length: 10.9 miles (loop)
The Robledo Mountains offer one of the most diverse offroading experiences in southern New Mexico. This 10.9-mile loop takes you across rocky climbs, sandy washes, and steep grades that demand a capable rig and a steady driver. Beyond the technical terrain, the area is known for its archaeological significance, with ancient petroglyphs and fossil sites nearby.
This makes Robledo unique: it’s not just a test of your driving skills, but also an opportunity to explore the cultural and natural history of the region. Drivers should come prepared for rugged conditions, as this loop is not for beginners.
Why Ride Here?
Ideal fortechnical terrain lovers who want to crawl over rocks and steep climbs.
Offers variety with sandy washes, rocky shelves, and desert ridgelines.
Adds an extra layer of interest with nearby fossils and archaeological features.
Location: West of Rio Rancho, near Albuquerque
Length: 15–18 miles
Rio Puerco is one of the most popular OHV loops near Albuquerque. The desert route covers around 15 to 18 miles, combining sandy washes, rocky sections, and open desert vistas. Rated moderate, it’s approachable for most offroaders with a capable vehicle, and it provides a nice balance of scenery and challenge.
The loop is especially popular in the fall when cooler temperatures make the desert more comfortable. Because of its proximity to Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, Rio Puerco is a favorite spot for locals who want variety without committing to a long drive out of town.
Why Ride Here?
Abalanced desert run with just enough challenge to keep things interesting.
Scenic views and open space make it a great option for group rides.
Easy access from Albuquerque makes it one of the most convenient trailheads in the state.
Before heading out on New Mexico’s trails, keep these essentials in mind:
Gear up smart: High-clearance rigs, recovery gear, air compressors, and winches are recommended.
Know the seasons: Goose Lake can remain snowed-in well into summer, while Rio Puerco should be avoided during the hottest months.
Check regulations: Many areas require OHV registration decals or spark arrestors. Always verify local rules before you go.
From alpine climbs to desert washes, New Mexico’s terrain will put your build to the test. Every mile adds stress to suspension, body panels, and fuel efficiency. That’s why experienced offroaders choose ADV Fiberglass panels:
Lightweight panels reduce strain on suspension and improve handling.
Durable fiberglass flexes with impact, holding up better against rocks and debris.
Easy to repair in the field, saving money on full replacements.
Precision fit and finish, handcrafted in California and tested in real-world offroad conditions.
Whether you’re tackling Goose Lake’s switchbacks, exploring Quebradas’ colorful cliffs, or rock crawling in the Robledos, ADV Fiberglass helps your rig go farther without unnecessary weight or downtime.
New Mexico offers a rare mix of terrain: alpine trails, desert canyons, and challenging technical loops. Whatever your driving style, you’ll find a trail here that matches your build and your goals.
Build smart. Drive farther. And when you’re ready to upgrade your rig, explore ADV Fiberglass for lightweight, durable parts that hold up mile after mile.
Don’t forget to share your adventures—connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, and tag your photos with #ADVAdventures2025 for a chance to be featured in ADV Fiberglass Videos.
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