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If you grew up watching westerns on TV, the landscapes on the New Mexico BDR will bring back memories. It’s true Wild West with the history to prove it.
You’ll ride through areas where the notorious outlaw ‘Billy the Kid’ made history by eluding authorities and see the land the same way he did because not much has changed in many of these places. Wild horses, landscapes that roll on forever and the tiniest of towns highlight this route.
Beginning in Dell City, TX you’ll enjoy the Guadalupe Rim views on your way to the high-elevation historic town of Cloudcroft. Hot springs, and lakeside camping can be found on your way into the mountains of the Gila National Forest and you’ll even be a stone’s throw from AZ before heading back to the north east toward Colorado. Highlights include Chloride Canyon, long stretches between towns and endless dispersed camping options. The last section north of Abiquiu winds through high mountains with open meadows with groves of aspen trees and is as beautiful as it gets.
Best time of year: Late May/June and September/October. July and August are monsoon season with extremely high temperatures and not recommended.
Please Note: An updated version of the tracks has been added in April, 2023 with a revised Butler Map to follow.
The NMBDR is presented by Sandia BMW Motorcycles, with additional support from Santa Fe BMW Motorcycles.
NMBDR – SECTION DESCRIPTIONS
Section 1: Dell City, TX to Weed - 153 Miles
Section 1: Dell City, TX to Weed – 153 Miles
The southern starting point of Section 1 of the NMBDR riding kicks off in Dell City, TX, a small farming community just across the border. The landscape here may be nothing to write home about, but hang in there, the Land of Enchantment awaits! Make sure to top off your fuel tank before leaving town, it will be a long time before you hit the next service station. Head north out of Dell City and you’ll end up at the foothills of the Guadalupe Rim, which is flanked by the Guadalupe Mountains to the northeast. Savor the warm weather while you can – before you know it you’ll be ascending 5,000 feet onto the rim itself by way of a short segment of incredible tarmac. Absorb the majestic scenery at the top of the Crow Flats Valley you just rode through, as well as the Brokeoff Mountains to the west.
Section 2: Weed to Carrizozo - 171 Miles
Section 2: Weed to Carrizozo – 171 Miles
Fuel up in Weed and point your cycle west through the Sacramento Mountains. Lovely primitive campsites dot the way throughout the entire route. Heads up: these roads may be impassable when they’re wet. Soon you’ll spy White Sands National Monument in the distance while traveling on West Side Road. The high country town of Cloudcroft happens to be one of the most iconic towns in all of New Mexico – we recommend spending a few hours here to fully soak in the charm. Enjoy award-winning apple pie at the legendary Apple Barn.
You’ll twist and turn through high-elevation deciduous forest and across numerous slow-moving streams en route to Ruidoso, an engaging mountain hamlet. The route continues north of town on its timbered trek before dropping into the Tularosa Valley and onward to the town of Carrizozo. If you’ve been experiencing bike issues, the ‘Carrizozo Bike Shop’ has an extensive knowledge of European and other metric-spec bikes.
Section 3: Carrizozo to Elephant Butte - 155 Miles
Section 3: Carrizozo to Elephant Butte – 155 Miles
Not long after a short jaunt on US Highway 380, the pavement changes to dirt and begins to turn north by way of a spectacular double-track. Take it ALL in, this is New Mexico at its finest! Please note: there are private ranches in the area – a safe and respectful speed is imperative to avoid losing the privilege of riding such a remarkable section.
Regain the highway about 35 miles down the road and head west and then south toward the White Sands Missile Range. This lengthy, quite sandy passage is appropriately named ‘Jornada del Muerto’ (Route of the Deadman) as there are no amenities for the next 105 miles!
Section 4: Elephant Butte to Reserve - 162 Miles
Section 4: Elephant Butte to Reserve – 162 Miles
Launch this section in Elephant Butte, a town that got its moniker from a striking butte in the nearby reservoir. Don’t miss out on the many thermal pools that nearby Truth or Consequences offers – it’s the best way to soak away the aches and pains from a long day in the saddle! The route moves north along the banks of Elephant Butte Lake, which boasts some of the most spectacular camping along the entire NMBDR. After bisecting I-25, the road climbs up and into the Sierra Cuchillo foothills of the Black Range and on toward Wilson. Stock up on fuel and supplies at the General Store and get ready for the optional advanced section through Chloride Canyon, a protracted technical section (you’ll cross Chloride Creek nearly 100 times in this section), before riding up and over the divide to Reserve.
This is arguably the most remote part of the NMBDR: if you aren’t a confident and skilled rider, we recommend skirting this section and hitting the pavement for 30 miles instead of riding the dirt. The following 100 miles escorts riders through high-elevation woodland, breathtaking scenery, and fast, rhythmic double-track. Pristine freshwater lakes accent the entire journey – pick a pool and take a quick, invigorating dip to clear your head for the rest of the trip.
Section 5: Reserve to Pinehill - 166 Miles
Section 5: Reserve to Pinehill – 166 Miles
As is common along the NMBDR, gas stations are sparse, so don’t forget to top off while in Reserve – the small service station in Luna is now closed. This route parallels Arizona, all it takes is a quick ride 500 feet down a fork to hit the state line. You’ll pass scads of Piñon and Juniper and catch glimpses of ancient cliff dwellings high along the cliffs. By and by, the track drops down into a high desert and then heads due north to US Highway 60 and the Zuni Reservation. An overlook near the Zuni Salt Lake showcases just how desolate and otherworldly this area truly is. There’s a wild and terrible beauty in western New Mexico unlike any other state in the Union.
Consider a visit to the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary in Candy Kitchen, across the street from the General Store, and where roughly 90 wolves are housed at any given time. It’s a fascinating learning experience and a donation will be much appreciated.
Section 6: Pinehill to Cuba - 175 Miles
Section 6: Pinehill to Cuba – 175 Miles
Viable camping spots are scarce along this leg of the NMBDR – any camping here must be viewed as a privilege and access is granted solely by the residents of the reservation. However, easily accessible camping is found just south of Grants inside the Cibola National Forest.
Epic views and a short section of primitive ohv roads bring you into Grants, a large town with plenty of access to fuel, food, and lodging. Outside of Grants, the route is very remote with long stretches of hard-packed dirt and the potential for some sand. There are several gates on this route so be prepared to open and close them behind you.
Section 7: Cuba to Abiquiu - 78.5 Miles
Section 7: Cuba to Abiquiu – 78.5 Miles
This section starts off with an incredible climb up into the mountains, in an area known for its high density of elk population. Stop at Teakettle Rock for a selfie before turning back into the desert, with a scenic drop down the backside of the dam, and primitive desert roads that bring you into the town of Abiquiu.
This quaint town features great lodging, incredible food, and the Georgia O’Keefe museum.
Section 8: Abiquiu to Antonito, CO - 123 Miles
Section 8: Abiquiu to Antonito, CO – 123 Miles
The final leg of the NMBDR is perfection, rocky mountain style. Up for one last challenge? Head west and then north outside of Abiquiú to arrive at El Rito via a scenic byway distinctive for a prominent ridge above Cañon del Cobre in the Carson National Forest (the route is less difficult if ridden north to south, as the rocky ledges are more easily descended, rather than climbed). Or, jump on Highway 554, the paved main road that leads to El Rito. Stop at El Farolito for an award-winning green chile burger.
The closing miles of the NMBDR are highlighted by an array of flowy forest roads that dance in and out of verdant meadows and deciduous canopies, a dazzling ushering in of colorful Colorado as the miles roll past. Please be cautious while cruising these high elevation roads, you’ll encounter all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts enjoying the area. Once over the Colorado state line, the road eases down, down into the Conejos River Valley and on to the end point, Antonito.
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Home of the famous Apple Barn.
Pie Town is located along U.S. Highway 60 in Catron County. Its name comes from an early bakery for making dried-apple pies that was established by Clyde Norman in the early 1920s.
As good as you’re going to get in Reserve! Okay, that sounded sarcastic, but seriously, there ain’t much in Reserve.
Adobe Does BBQ serves some of the best American daily. Bring your friends or family to experience this splendid environment.
Born in 2001, with the layoff of her husband from a closing local business, Jennifer looked into the future and wondered how they could feed there 1, soon to be 2 small children. She knew she could cook, and had worked in some food service before, and decided to try in a broken down “Little Adobe” building, that was afore destined to be torn down.
El Rito’s world famous El Farolito has people from all over the world blazing a path to a one of the first Spanish settlements in Northern New Mexico in quest of some of the best New Mexican food in the state, hence, the world.
Café Abiquiu offers casual dining in a charming atmosphere adorned with the work of local artists. You’ll find seasonal and specialty espresso drinks, local beers, wines and traditional Northern New Mexico favorites.
Bode’s started as Grants Mercantile in 1890 as a general store, post office, stage coach stop and jail when Abiquiu was the starting place of the Old Spanish Trail.
The closest, great, New Mexico Style Mexican Food in a Charming Atmosphere Since 1975!
1177 Main Street
