NM Adventure Series

Hey guys, looking for some advice from the locals. I'll be in the Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Taos area in mid June. I'm looking for some easy offroading trails that I could try. I'll be solo and don't have much offroading experience other than mud. I've looked at some things and was thinking about the Goose Lake trail. I read that they graded it a few months back and that it's nice and smooth now. Definitely open to other suggestions though. Thanks in advance!

 

Are you looking for mostly forest roads or would you like something a bit more difficult like something where you'd need 4x4 from time to time? I have some trails below.

- Goose Lake: It's not a difficult trail just a little bumpy (if they graded it nothing to worry about) but there are some really tight sections only wide enough for one vehicle. It'll probably be super busy up there in June so be prepared for the SxS crowd which make that trail awful. It's hard to enjoy the lake with them blasting country music/nickleback. Other than that the water crossing right at the start of the trail is the most difficult depending on waterflow so just an FYI.


- Jemez FS376: Nice forest road with some pretty views and the Gillman Tunnels which are cool.


- Rio Puerco: There are trails for days out there, you can make the trails as easy or as difficult as you want.


- Placitas Hwy165: Easy forest road with some nice views in the Sandia Mountains.


- Cedro Peak: I would call this a moderate trail if you don't have much experience. There are some boulders and rocks were make it fun, I took my GF the other day in her stock 4runner and with her super limited off roading experience she did great.


There are plently of other roads I guess it just depends on what you are lookin for. Definitely let us know when you're around and maybe we can hit a trail or two with you.

 

Yeah, I'd hate to drive to Goose Lake only to find a party going on. Jemez FS376 looks interesting and not too rough. Was thinking of camping a couple of nights at Jemez Falls campground and checking out Valles Caldera, but maybe I should do FS376 and camp along the road instead.

 

The lake is super pretty but the "party" is definitely unfortunate. 367 is a nice drive for sure but there isn't any dispersed camping directly on the road but there are two offshoots that have dispersed camping available 539 & 604. Here is the MVUM for that area of the forest. https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd897360.pdf

 

I really like to go find camping spots along FR144 north of highway 126. If you are able to get a spot along the cliff on east side of the road, you will always have a beautiful view of the valley. Also, the gate at FR376/Hwy126 should be open by that time so you can drive most of the way to San Antonio Hot Springs.

 

Hey y'all, im going to be in town (abq/Rio Rancho) July 13 to pick up my new (to me) rig. Was wondering if we wanted to get a group together for dinner and beers. I miss yall and the area, would be great to see some of the old group.

 

Depending on work I would be down!

 

Scott! its Gian, sold my first gen and got a 2nd gen and been building it up.

Ill be preparing for a week long camping/wheeling trip to leave that next day the 14th but i should be able to get out and have some dinner beers

 

Is state road 144b the same as FR 144? If so how far along it are the goods spots on the cliff?

 

Yeah that's the same road. My favorite cliff side spots start at 5.0 miles from 126 and pull-offs with nice views can be had for several miles past there. The big campers, dirtbikes/atvs, and louder groups tend to stay closer to 126 so I'd advise going at least a few miles. I went to this area a few weeks ago where I usually see few people, if any, and it was packed. Another good option is FR 103, lots and lots of dispersed camping options and you should be able to get away from the hordes, if you're so inclined.

 

Anyone up for some off road fun tomorrow? I'm meeting a buddy either in the Jamez or Puerco. I'm a teacher and am off for the summer.

 

Any Gila Wilderness wheelers in here? I live in Phoenix but grew up near Silver City and I’m there about once a month. Might even move back if I an work remote.

 

1st half of my trip complete. Thanks for the great suggestions for dispersed camping along FR126 and the Gilman Tunnels!

Also stopped by the Soda Dam.

And scored a backcountry-wilderness use permit at Valles Caldera.


On to Rocky Mountain National Park for the second leg of the trip. Hope to come back to your beautiful state next year!

 

Looks like fun

 

I just did 376 from Hwy 4 up to 126 a few days ago and it was just about perfect! Intended to continue north to get above San Antonio springs but the sun was setting so I decided to head back down. Always fun taking someone through the Gilman Tunnels for their first time!

 

I still want to make it over that way someday.

 

I cant recommend it enough! The SFNF is beautiful and this time of year is just about perfect. Weekends can get busy with Albuquerque and Sante Fe being so close but still worth the visit.

 

It's definitely a nice drive out that way, but its definitely a little bumpy with my tractor of a ride haha. Nice RC btw!

 

Bumpy is the keyword! The first few miles above Gilman is washboard city, usually isn't too bad after crossing the 126.

 

Quick trip to Molas lakes area yesterday.