BDR Supports the Elephant Rock Motorcycle Trail System in New Mexico
July 2, 2019
BDR has recently pledged $7,500 to support the development of the Elephant Rock Motorcycle Trail System in northern New Mexico, an important area that will be a great resource for a wide range of Off-highway users, including dual-sport and adventure touring motorcycles.
This project, with a total cost of $70,000, has received support on the state level, and with funding from the New Mexico DOT and local groups and organizations, including the BDR and the Trail Preservation Alliance, the work on the project will begin July 1, 2019.
The Elephant Rock OHV Trails Network is approximately 25 miles of old mining roads in the Taos County near the town of Red River, New Mexico.
The trail network is located in the Carson National Forest and managed by the Questa Forest District. Intact, these trails serve as important connectors between communities and other recreational opportunities. When maintenance on the trail system is deferred, however, the designated use itself is compromised.
Project includes information signage at the trailheads, directional signage on the trails, GPS mapping of the trails and development of detailed map brochure and trailhead parking improvements.
This project will bring the motorcycle and ATV riders from the area together in collaboration to repair the damaged areas and stabilize sensitive sections and waterway crossings.
The watershed is sensitive and needs to be protected by proper trail, design, construction, and maintenance. Additionally, whereas these trails were originally designated for motorcycles only, through this project, and with improved access, some of the trails will be signed and opened to ATV travel. None of these routes can be made wide enough for Side x Side vehicles.
Most of the work will be performed by local community volunteers while a contractor will be hired to operate heavy equipment.
This trail system is an important element in the recreational economy of the Enchanted Circle in general and the Towns of Red River and Questa specifically.
These trails attract riders from all over the state and lure visitors from outside New Mexico as well. Outdoor recreation has a very significant economic impact on the communities in this area. The area has become known for especially good OHV routes, which continues to bring many visitors to the area.
This project is an asset to the NMBDR route because it will essentially add a special attraction for ADV/Dual Sport travelers through New Mexico while on the BDR or the Continental Divide Ride.
With a short one-day diversion, or more, visitors can find another hundred miles or more of spectacular riding, all mapped and ready. This first project is the first step in a connected ADV/Dual Sport route all around the Enchanted Circle, already a well-known and popular area for OHV tourists. This larger system of routes will connect many communities with hundreds of miles of legal roads for legal bikes.
OHV tourism is becoming a big thing in New Mexico, and the outdoor recreation season is longer than in Colorado, even year around in places. This project will attract new visitors to New Mexico, to enjoy outdoor recreation, which in turn helps local communities with economic development, one of the core goals of the BDR mission.
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