An ATV rider catching air in New Mexico.
New Mexico is an open, desert state with many off-road vehicle (ORV) and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) enthusiasts. Albuquerque, the city with the largest population in the state, is surrounded by the most developed trails and off-road areas. This is due, in part, to the size of the population. Albuquerque also straddles the Rio Grande, which places the city on a primary watershed region of the state with many arroyos and inclines to explore.
Rio Puerco
Rio Puerco is a large watershed basin in central New Mexico, located outside Rio Rancho. It is one of the most eroded river basins in the western United States due to over grazing, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Subsequently, the area has become an enjoyable place to drive ATVs. This area runs about five miles across at an elevation of 5,000 feet and offers all kinds of terrain imaginable from sandy to hard-packed dirt. There are also endless trails and cliffs, causing drivers to get lost on occasion. As such, it's advisable to bring along a GPS, several companion vehicles and lots of water. Off-roading and ATV enthusiasts would be well advised to stay away during the middle of the day in the summer and at night due to cliffs. There are no services, patrols or restrictions at Rio Puerco; just open land that is available year-round. The Rio Puerco basin lies to the west of Rio Rancho and Albuquerque, running from Highway 550 in the northwest all the way down to Interstate 40. Travelers heading west from Albuquerque on Interstate 40 can take the Rio Puerco exit. A gravel road meanders north for 12 miles from the parking lot of a gas station located on the north side of the highway. The road can get very muddy even after a little rain.
U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management
Rio Puerco Field Office
435 Montano NE
Albuquerque, NM 87107
505-761-8700
blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/recreation/rio_puerco.html
Nine Mile Hill
This large dune south of Interstate 40 runs west out of Albuquerque. These dunes are popular with ATV enthusiasts because of the deep soft sand. Off-roading drag races regularly take place here as well. There are a few trails in a 2-square-mile area, but the racing up the sand hill is this location's draw. The area has been used for several decades and is only occasionally monitored. However, that may change as developers buy the surrounding land. To get there, leave Albuquerque on Interstate 40 heading west. Take exit 98 and drive south on Central Avenue. Turn west (right) off the road and onto one of the many dirt trails that have been cut by vehicles off-roading through the desert. These will lead you past large power poles. At this point, you should see a large sandy hill in the distance. If you don't care to drive all the way out there, you can stay on Interstate 40 and pull off on the scenic turnout. You won't find any access to the dune from here, but you can watch vehicles race up the 50-yard dune. If you have a mind to go, paddle tires might help. Saturday and Sunday draw bigger groups, but there is someone willing to race on just about any day of the week.
Montessa Park
Montessa Park is Albuquerque's only legitimately designated ORV area, located in the Open Space park system near the airport on the south side of the city. The area is open desert, and the trails climb tall, intense inclines with loose dirt, and then plunge into arroyos with scattered brush throughout. The easy accessibility primarily attracts ATVs and motorcycles. The area is also known to attract some gang activity on the weekends, which has dampened the spirit of fun. In spite of this, however, a number of buggies and four-by-fours can be seen here tearing it up. To get there, head south from Albuquerque on Interstate 25, and take the Rio Bravo Boulevard exit. Head west on Rio Bravo until you come to Broadway, then turn south. About one and a half miles south, turn east (left) onto Bobby Foster Road, then turn north onto Los Picaros Road. The entrance to the park is on the south side of Los Picaros Road. The Open Space offices are at the end of the road. The park comprises 577 acres that were primarily set aside to deter off-roaders from abusing the protected open spaces. The park also offers a dog park where leashes are not required and a Frisbee golf course.
Open Space Office of the City of Albuquerque
3615 Los Picaros SE
Albuquerque, NM 87105
505-452-5200
cabq.gov/openspace/montessa.html
Tags: Albuquerque Interstate, Open Space, Albuquerque Interstate take, from Albuquerque, from Albuquerque Interstate, heading west
