20 Miles of Easy Forest Road
A roughly 20-mile forest-road ride can sound like an easy way to enjoy New Mexico’s scenery without tackling technical trails. The catch is that “easy” describes the road, not every part of the day: route access, weather, altitude, dust, and changing conditions still matter. This guide explains how to plan a relaxed ATV or UTV outing and avoid common surprises.
What to Expect From an Easy Forest-Road Ride
Easy terrain still calls for attention
An easy forest road is generally a better fit for a relaxed ride than a narrow, rocky trail or steep technical climb. The surface may be relatively broad and gradual, but it can still include loose gravel, ruts, washboard, embedded rocks, potholes, and sudden changes after rain or snow. A road that feels comfortable in a capable UTV might feel tiring on a small ATV, especially if the rider is new to uneven terrain.
The word “easy” is also relative. A first-time rider may find a rough stretch demanding even when an experienced rider barely notices it. If your group includes children, newer riders, or people who are not used to spending hours in the saddle, plan for a slower pace and frequent stops. The goal is not to keep up with the fastest person in the group; it is to finish with everyone comfortable and the machines in good shape.
In northern New Mexico, a scenic forest-road outing may involve a drive from the Santa Fe area toward the Caja del Rio landscape. The nearby terrain and views can be rewarding, but don’t assume that every visible track is open to motorized travel. If you’re considering this area, start with [Riding Caja del Rio to the Rio Grande Overlook] and [Caja del Rio and St. Peter's Dome], then check route access and closures before setting out.
Clarify what “20 miles” means
Before loading the machines, find out whether the advertised or planned 20 miles describes the whole outing, a one-way stretch, or a route that includes a return along the same road. That distinction changes the time, fuel, and energy you’ll need. A 20-mile out-and-back trip is not the same as a 20-mile loop, and a route that adds side trips can become substantially longer than expected.
Mileage alone is a poor way to estimate how long an off-highway ride will take. A road may be easy to drive but slow to navigate if it is dusty, crowded, rutted, or broken up by stops for gates and route decisions. Build in time for the group to regroup, check the map, take a break, and turn around if conditions are worse than expected.
Ask these questions while you plan:
- Is the distance one way or total?
- Is the route a loop, or does it return by the same road?
- Are there side roads that could make it easy to go farther than intended?
- Is the route currently open to the type of vehicle you’re bringing?
- Where is the safest practical place to turn around?
A route app such as onX Offroad can help you examine roads and plan a general route, but don’t treat a line on a screen as proof that the road is open or appropriate for your machine. Carry a current land-manager map when available, pay attention to posted signs, and compare the route on your device with what you see on the ground. [New Mexico Trail Maps Worth Carrying] and [New Mexico Trail Closures to Check First] are useful reading before a trip.
Plan the Route Before You Unload
Check access, closures, and route rules
A forest road is not automatically open to ATVs or UTVs just because it is drivable. Motorized travel may be limited to designated roads and routes, and closures can apply to a road, a section of road, or an entire area. A temporary closure may also be in place for weather, fire danger, maintenance, or resource protection.
Start by identifying the land manager and the route you intend to ride. Look for the road or route number on an official map and check for current closure notices. On the ground, follow posted signs even if your app appears to show a route continuing past a closed gate. Do not go around a barrier or assume a closure is meant only for full-size vehicles. When the status is unclear, choose a confirmed open road or call the relevant land office before riding.
Route rules also depend on where you are. A road may pass through land with a different manager or cross a boundary where access requirements change. Stay on the route you planned, especially near wilderness boundaries, private property, grazing areas, and sensitive terrain. For more detail, review [New Mexico Rules for Riding a National Forest] and [Matching a Route Number on a Forest Sign].
| Before you ride | What to verify | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Route access | Whether the road is open to your vehicle and motorized use | A drivable road may still be closed to OHVs |
| Distance | Whether the stated mileage is one way or round trip | It affects fuel, ride time, and turnaround plans |
| Conditions | Recent rain, snow, fire restrictions, and road damage | Surface conditions can change quickly |
| Machine | Fuel, tires, brakes, lights, and load capacity | A minor mechanical issue can become a long walk |
| Group | Rider experience, pace, and communication plan | The least experienced rider sets a sensible group pace |
| Documents | Required registration, permits, and identification | Requirements can depend on where you ride and where the machine is registered |
Choose a conservative turnaround point
A useful ride plan includes a point where you can stop and reassess—not just a destination. You might decide in advance to turn around at a junction, a known landmark, or a set point on your map. If the road is deteriorating, weather is building, or someone in the group is uncomfortable, turn around sooner. Continuing because you have “only a few miles left” is a common way a pleasant outing becomes stressful.
Make sure everyone understands the plan before leaving the staging area. Agree on how often you will stop, what to do if the group gets separated, and how a rider can signal that they need a break. On a UTV group ride, leave enough space to avoid eating another vehicle’s dust. On ATVs, regroup at safe pullouts rather than stopping abruptly in the travel lane.
If you use onX Offroad or another navigation app, download the information you need before heading into an area where mobile service may be limited. Make sure each driver knows how to return to the staging area, not just how to follow the outbound route. A paper map or an offline map can be a useful backup if a phone battery runs low or a screen becomes difficult to read in bright sunlight.
Prepare Riders and Machines for New Mexico Conditions
Bring more than a full tank
Fuel planning should account for the return trip, slow travel, idling, detours, and a change of plans. Don’t assume that a short-looking ride will use little fuel; sand, climbing, stop-and-go travel, and a loaded machine can all affect consumption. Know your machine’s realistic range, and turn around while you still have a comfortable reserve.
Water matters just as much. Dry air, sun, dust, and time spent in riding gear can leave people thirsty before they notice how much they have been sweating. Bring water for every person, not just the driver, and keep it easy to reach. A snack, basic first-aid supplies, sunscreen, and a warm layer are also useful even on a ride that seems brief at the trailhead. Conditions can feel very different once you are out on an exposed road or at a higher elevation.
Before leaving, check the machine rather than relying on how it performed during the last ride. Inspect tire condition and pressure, brakes, throttle, steering, lights, and fuel. Secure loose cargo so it cannot shift or fall off on rough ground. If you are towing a machine to the staging area, check the tie-downs again after the first part of the drive. For additional desert-specific preparation, see [Carrying Water in the Southern Desert].
Adjust for weather, dust, and elevation
New Mexico weather can make an easy route feel very different from one hour to the next. Rain can soften an otherwise firm road, create muddy sections, and send water across low spots. A dry wash or drainage that looks harmless in clear weather may become dangerous during a storm. In the warmer months, afternoon thunderstorms and lightning can also make exposed terrain a poor place to linger. Check the forecast for the area you’ll ride, not just the town where you are staying, and leave room in your schedule to head back early. [New Mexico Riding in Summer Monsoon] offers more context on planning around seasonal storms.
Dust is another reason to leave space between vehicles. Following too closely can make it difficult to see ruts, rocks, signs, or a vehicle slowing ahead. If the dust becomes thick, increase the gap or stop at a safe pullout until visibility improves. Avoid kicking up unnecessary dust around other riders, people on foot, livestock, or homes.
Elevation deserves a little respect, too. A route that looks gentle on a map may still reach a height where some riders feel unusually tired or short of breath, especially if they have traveled up from lower elevations. Take breaks, pace yourself, and don’t ignore headaches, dizziness, nausea, or unusual weakness. If anyone feels unwell, stop riding and reassess rather than trying to push through.
Ride Courteously and Finish the Day Safely
Share the road and protect the landscape
Forest roads are shared spaces. You may encounter other OHVs, trucks, hikers, cyclists, wildlife, or livestock, sometimes around a blind bend or near a narrow stretch. Slow down where visibility is limited, stay alert at intersections, and make room when it is safe to do so. Keep noise and speed under control near homes, trailheads, and animals.
If you come across livestock, give the animals plenty of space and avoid chasing or crowding them. Do not assume that an open gate means you should leave it open; follow posted instructions and close gates behind you when appropriate. Stay on designated routes rather than creating a new track around a muddy section or obstacle. A shortcut can damage vegetation, widen the road, and create confusion about where motorized travel is allowed. [New Mexico Riding With Livestock Around] explains why a little patience around animals matters.
Be considerate when you stop. Pull fully out of the travel lane where possible, keep machines away from fragile ground, and avoid blocking access for other visitors or land managers. Pack out trash, including small items such as food wrappers and broken zip ties. Good trail etiquette helps keep an area enjoyable and accessible for the next group.
Use a simple ride-day checklist
A few minutes of preparation can prevent the sort of small problem that ruins an afternoon. Before departing, make sure every driver knows the route, the planned turnaround point, and what to do if the group becomes separated. Confirm that phones, radios, or other communication tools are charged and working. If you are traveling somewhere with limited service, tell someone who is not on the ride where you expect to go and when you expect to return.
Use this checklist as a last look:
- Confirm the road is open and appropriate for your machine.
- Check tires, brakes, lights, steering, fuel, and cargo.
- Carry enough water, food, and warm or sun-protective clothing.
- Save the route for offline use and bring a map backup.
- Agree on a pace, regrouping points, and turnaround plan.
- Tell someone your general route and expected return time.
- Turn back if weather, road conditions, or rider comfort changes.
A 20-mile forest-road outing can be a wonderful way to enjoy New Mexico without turning the ride into a technical challenge. The best version is not necessarily the one that reaches the farthest point. It is the one where the route is legal and open, the group has enough time and supplies, and everyone gets back comfortably.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
