Planning a trip from the PNW down to New Mexico. For a group of well set up SWB is there enough trails to keep us entertained? (body damage is not an issue) are there maps available? Directions or locations of wheeling locations? permits needed? camping/amenities? Any info greatly appreciated.

Well, there are the famous spots in Farmington and Las Cruces. Almost unknown outside the area but equally challenging are the mesas behind Abiquiu; the trail takes off from behind the elementary school, and gets run regularly by guys from here and the Santa Fe club. There has been a lot of body damage on those trails, and the end section hasn't been conquored yet. Some good areas around Socorro, but almost no one there runs the hard stuff. Some excellent stuff in the Ladrones; similar to Johnson Valley but less traveled. Plan on breakage and winching here. Closer to home, Los Alamos has an old gas line cut by the lab's wellness center that requires at least 35's and two lockers; it's a lunchtime run for locals, but could be a fun half-day if you're not as familiar with it. Pipeline road and Guaje canyon were converted from fairly easy dirt roads into 4+ boulder fields and log-jams by the flash floods after the Cerro Grande fire; I only know one guy that sucessfully ran the section of Guaje behind the cemetary since then. As for maps, I get regular USGS topo maps; the Otowi bookstore has a very nice collection. Look out for some Indian reservations; they've been closing everything (even paved roads) and fining people $500 for unwittingly crossing little sections. Also the Forest Circus will nail you for getting into closed areas; they have some real a$$holes, but they've also got some pretty cool people around here too. No permits that I know of anywhere; it's either open or closed. There are camping areas, either developed or not, around most places. There's very good wheeling all over the state, just finding it amongst all the minivan roads may require local guidance. Call the guys at Southwest 4-Wheel in Albuquerque (800-748-1701) and The Scoutmaster in Santa Fe (505-474-0253). Also the guys at Desert Rat in Albuquerque (505-881-0931). All build and wheel pretty extreme, and know the local trails, clubs, etc. Figure out where you want to go when and you'll have people to show you, or go with.

<IMG SRC="smilies/bounce.gif" border="0"> Yeah, man...I grew up there. There are PLENTY of good trails out there. The local club in Farmington really prefers it if you contact them to let them know when you'll be there. They are really cool and will usually show you where all the good trails and ARCA obstacles are.....If youre sprung over in Farmington be SURE to have all axle wrap issues fixed...otherwise, it will eat you alive....IE it kicked my ass. <IMG SRC="smilies/grinpimp.gif" border="0">

You guys are awesome. thanks for the info!

ever in the PNW and want to go wheeling look us up!

Thanks man. We're planning a major cross-country wheeling trip late next summer (?) if I can get the new beast done in time we may drop in on you. Be sure to let me know when you get out here.

<IMG SRC="smilies/bounce.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/bounce.gif" border="0"> HAVE FUN IN NM!!! <IMG SRC="smilies/grinpimp.gif" border="0">

thanks...we sure hope to. Have two weeks off planning on heading to the hammers first then to NM.

<IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

Definately get in touch when you guys get up this way.

If you get to Las Cruces remember Juarez is only about 40 miles away. Don't let Terry out of your sights. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Ok Roger, fill me in, what dont i know?

how would i get a hold of the farmington club, any phone numbers i can call please let me know asap

Lloyd, glad to see someone else from New
Mexico here. I have never heard of those trails before in central NM. I usually wheel up in the Jemez and in Chama.

Have you done or heard of the "Jaws" trail around here? The NM4W have run it several times and I want to do it when my rig is finished. Thanks.

Brian1 - good to see another one here too! Jaws? Nope, can't say I've heard of that, but sure would like to try it. I live about halfway between Jemez Springs and Los Alamos, but haven't found too many hard trails in the Jemez - a few though, mostly old skid roads that have degenerated to motorcycle trails and can still be wheeled. Tons of fun when you add snow! I've not had a chance to explore around Chama yet, someday soon I hope. We'll have to get together sometime. I've sold my Heep and am working on a new beast now also, not sure when it'll be ready. Funny to meet someone from 75 miles away on a bb based 1200 miles away...

Originally posted by Lloyd:
<STRONG>Brian1 - good to see another one here too! Jaws? Nope, can't say I've heard of that, but sure would like to try it. Funny to meet someone from 75 miles away on a bb based 1200 miles away...</STRONG>

Here is a link to a write up of "the jaws of death" trail somewhere in central NM http://www.geocities.com/Baja/Canyon/2477/jod3.html

Once I get my Flatfender finished, probably end of next year we will definately have to do some trails together.

Cool - that looks like an awesome trail. Where exactly is it?

<IMG SRC="smilies/bounce.gif" border="0"> Ive done Jaws a number of times...Its a great trail. Last time I was there, I saw a heard of wild horses. Contact Darren at Desert Rat in Albuquerque NM. He could get ya connected with some locals. <IMG SRC="smilies/bounce.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/grinpimp.gif" border="0">

looks like we planned our trip to farmington around the time frame that ARCA has an event going on? anyone have exact dates? all i have heard is rumors. I've tried to get in touch with some of the local clubs but no luck so far with someone getting back in touch with us. Anyone know anyone who will be around and willing to show some out of towners at least the way to a couple of trails sept 20-23 or could draw us a map? help, leaving friday and no definate hook up plans with anyone yet. TIA

If you are coming down to anywhere near Albuquerque, here is some e-mails of the local club officers. e-mails (http://www.nm4w.org/officers.htm) Im not involved with the club but maybe they can help you out.There i9s a p4x4 member from farmington, maybe he can help you out as well. Do a search. I need to go to school now or i would do it. Good luck and if you guys come out to ABQ, e-mail me and i will give my #.

Okay found some more stuff for you. Info may be outdated but still has contact info for clubs in farmington and las cruces. p4x4 member jaffer is from farmington.

Cliffhangers
Rocky Dumas, President
PO Box 2642
Farmington, NM 87499
505-326-7007
E-mail Contact: Rocky Dumas
rdumas4707@aol.com

Rock Garden 4-Wheelers
Steve George, President
3927 Manchester Street
Farmington, NM 87401
505-564-2230
E-mail contact: Cody Waldroup
snoopy@acrnet.com
Club page: http://www.rockgarden.rockcrawler.com

Las Cruces Four Wheel Drive Club
Paul Tomicek, President
P0 Box 1344
Las Cruces, NM 88004
505-584-8569
E-mail contact: Homer VanZandt
vanzandt@zianet.com
Club Page: http://www.zianet.com/lcfwdc

[ 09-13-2001: Message edited by: Brian1 ]

Give me a call at (505)564-2230 in the evening I'll be able to take you out to the trails on Saturday and Sunday if you still need a guide. Let me know Steve George Farmington NM

Give me a call at (505)564-2230 in the evening I'll be able to take you out to the trails on Saturday and Sunday if you still need a guide. Let me know Steve George Farmington NM
I'm going to be running Farmington Labor day weekend. Friday- Sunday. A friend from Denver and myself so far. 2 rigs at least. :) Know of anyone who is wheeling that weekend? Even GPS Cords would be great too. Hell, even basic directions. Yep, we will be lost!! :D looking for 4 - 4.5 trails. Trying to take it easy. :)

It sucks really bad. The Cerro Grande Fire killed the pipeline trail in Los Alamos. It is closed and gated with the police patorling it. Guaje canyon also has been closed. With a man made huge wall of rocks the size of jeeps and dug out on the other side for people who don't look. Los Alamos is becoming against four wheeling in a major way. Kinda sad because the pipeline trail and Guaje canyon were fun trails. I wouldn't go to Los Alamos as there getting pretty good in enforcing closures now.

Yes it says my location is Rio Rancho but I use to live in Los Alamos for six years and I am up there a lot to visit friends.

There are two clubs that run trails done here in Rio Rancho/Albuquerque area and the are two websites you might what to look into:

http://www.nm4w.org

and

http://www.nmvjc.org


Check those out there is contacts and BBs on those pages that you could ask questions on.

There is penlty of trails out here in NM.

if you make it down to ABQ. look me up. I can hook you up with a guide or 4 for the day.

the hammers,new mexico,and then back up through moab would make a fun trip.if you never been to moab leave a couple days for that trip on the way back up north...

You guys do realize that this thread is from 2001. I think they might have made the trip already :flipoff2:

Still good info though

Well :flipoff2: to the guy who brought this back up.