New Mexico Backcountry Discovery Route

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

NMBDR LODGING

Make your next vacation memorable and affordable with a stay at Arrowhead Motel & RV Park. Arrowhead offers a variety of clean, comfortable rooms, as well as RV parking facilities for you and your family. Single queen rooms starting at just $59

25999 US Hwy 70
Ruidoso, NM 88345
Phone: (575) 257-4241

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Lakeside cabins, hotel, RV Park, and marina managed by Lago Rico, Inc.

The Historic Dam Site Recreation area is situated overlooking Elephant Butte Lake, New Mexico and is a unique gateway to explore the rich history, nature, and exciting recreational lake activities in the area.

Address: 55 Damsite Road, Elephant Butte, NM

Phone: 575-894-2073

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The Elephant Butte Inn has all of lodging and amenities to suit every one of your needs, whether it’s for business or leisure. With captivating, sweeping views of Elephant Butte Lake, ample meeting and event space, an outdoor pool, Elephant Butte Inn will exceed and redefine your expectations in every way!

Address: 401 NM 195, Elephant Butte, NM 87935

Phone: 575-297-4990

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Your window to Adventure. Park your RV here to ride the NMBDR. Enjoy riding hundreds of more miles of New Mexico’s backcountry while you are here!

Elephant Butte Lake RV Resort offers 140 full hook-up sites with big rig, level sites up to 100 feet. 20, 30 and 50 amp service is available. We have daily, weekly or monthly rates, covered patios with picnic tables and BBQ grills by the lounges.

Address: 402 Highway 195, Elephant Butte, NM 87935

Phone: 575-744-5996

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Ride right off the NMBDR and onto the beach for primitive camping and beautiful sunsets. Facilities nearby or even developed camping sites if you prefer. Bring your packable pole and catch a little dinner from all the varieties of fish in the lake.

Address: 101 Hwy 195, Elephant Butte, NM 87935

Phone: 575-744-5923

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Located Minutes from Elephant Butte Lake State Park. Ideal for guests riding the NMBDR, or enjoying the Lake, or staying a while to see the other attractions in the area.

Address: 200 Country Club Rd, Elephant Butte, NM 87935

Phone:  575-744-5269

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Each room offers you free access to Wi-Fi since we know you need some of the pleasures from back home. We know you’ll enjoy your stay with us, we even guarantee it.

42 Main Street
Reserve, NM 87830

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They say the grass is always greener on the other side, but if you ask us, the grass is pretty green over here. It’s beautiful. Peaceful. Everything you need to relax, unplug, enjoy……

2134 Hwy 180

Reserve, NM 87830

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A 20 room motel. Each room is clean and has two queen beds, refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker.

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A brand new 14 room motel. All rooms have two queen beds, refrigerator, microwave, and coffee makers. Also, Wi-Fi is available.

Located on the edge of town along the Frisco River, just walking distance from the historic Uncles Bills Bar, as well as a couple country stores and restaurants.

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Motel with covered motorcycle specific parking & laundry Chama Trails Motel is a family owned motel in Chama that is a great stop in for those on their BDR adventure. They are located next to the gas station and grocery store in town as well.

Phone: (575) 756-2156

Address: 2362 HWY 17, Chama, NM 87520

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NMBDR FOOD

Home of the famous Apple Barn.

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If you’re looking for the best burgers in Ruidoso, New Mexico, you have come to the right place. At Anaheim Jacks, they have the most flavorful, mouthwatering and appetizing food for the whole family. They are family-owned and operated and since 2014, we have dedicated ourselves to offering great service and exceptional food at the best prices in town.

Address: 1097 Mechem Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345

Phone: (575) 808-8340

Located by Elephant Butte Lake State Park in New Mexico, Bigfoot Restaurant specializes in burgers, sandwiches & vegetarian… with a wide selection of international wine, craft cocktails & ale. We also offer a dog-friendly area for pet friends!

Address: 212 Warm Springs Blvd., Elephant Butte, NM, 87935

Phone: 575-744-4896

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Hours

Mon: 11 – 3

Tues and Wed: Closed

Thur thru Sun: 11 – 7

Casa Taco is not fast food! We make all our food from scratch. Everything is cooked fresh when you order it.

Casa Taco “Signature Tacos” are made on a griddle, which gives them that crispy goodness everyone loves.

Address: 704 NM 195 (Butte Blvd.), Elephant Butte, NM, 87935

Phone: 575-744-4859

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Hours:

11am-6pm Sun 11am-8pm Mon Tues Thurs Fri Sat Closed Wed

Krispy Krunchy Chicken/Cabana Grill, Elephant Butte, NM (Section 3)

“A Krunch Around the Corner” Freshly Made, Perfectly Cajun!

Address: Fast Stop 6, 106 Rock Canyon Rd., Elephant Butte NM 87935

Phone: 575-744-5555

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Enjoy a meal or a drink on the patio next to the beautiful Sierra del Rio Golf Course. There’s a Sunday breakfast buffet from 9am-1pm.

Address: 101 Clubhouse Drive, Elephant Butte, NM 87935

Phone: 575-744-4653

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Open:

11am-8pm Mon-Wed-Thurs

9am-8pm Fri-Sat-Sun

Closed:

Tuesday

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.

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As good as you’re going to get in Reserve! Okay, that sounded sarcastic, but seriously, there ain’t much in Reserve.
96 Main St, Reserve NM 87830 (575) 533-6111

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Adobe Does BBQ serves some of the best American daily. Bring your friends or family to experience this splendid environment.

95 B Main Street
Reserve, NM 87830

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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.

2134 Hwy 180, Reserve, NM 87830

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Rio Grande re-opened in 2013 with a complete facelift has never been more successful as one of Ruidoso’s best eateries and a very popular local spot in the front tap room.  All of SBBC’s brews are available along with a hand-picked wine list.  Our menu is available for dining in or to go.  You can also pick up six packs or growlers of our beer to take home with you – and don’t forget to grab some gear from our gift shop!

Address: 441 Mechem Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345

Phone: (575) 808-8456

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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.
1212 Main St, El Rito NM 87530 (575) 581-9509

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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.
21120 Hwy 84, Abiquiu NM 87510 (505) 685-4422

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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.
21196 US Hwy 84, Abiquiu NM 87510 (505) 685-4422

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The closest, great, New Mexico Style Mexican Food in a Charming Atmosphere Since 1975!
6453 Main 550 St, Cuba NM 87013 (575) 289-9429

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1177 Main Street
El Rito, NM 87530

Snacks, candy, drinks, beer and spirits, as well as groceries.

NMBDR FUEL

Last gas available until Reserve, about 130 miles of very remote country.

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A small town famous for Smokey Bear. Smokey Bear was a bear found with burnt paws in the aftermath of the Capitan Gap Wildfire that became a symbol for forest fire prevention.

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The Lodge. Rebecca the Ghost.

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Home of the famous Apple Barn.

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side trip.

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First place on the route to get gas, after Dell City. Weed just has a small convenience store.

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Starting Gas stop. Some lodging through AirBnB.

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NMBDR MOTORCYCLE DEALERSHIPS

RECREATION WORKS

Bayard, NM

WEBSITE

With an extensive background in diagnostics, engine building and repair, electrical engineering, machine work, fabrication and welding Recreation Works can service or repair any Motorcycle, ATV or UTV. We offer everything from basic service and tire repair to more extensive and emergency repairs. Serving Silver City NM and surrounding areas.

NMBDR DISCOVERY POINTS

While riding the NMBDR, we recommend visiting some (or all) of these places, selected for their natural beauty, photo opportunities, historical significance, or pure pleasure of discovery! (These waypoints are included in the NMBDR GPS tracks available for a free download on this page). Send us your photos from these discovery points to share with the BDR community.

(Listing South to North)

Starting Gas stop. Some lodging through AirBnB.

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side trip.

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Dog Canyon Campground, a part of Guadalupe Mountains National Park is 20 miles southwest at the end of NM Highway 137. A good place to officially start the ride.

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side trip.

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Store open sometimes. Gas station no longer open.

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A long side trip to a waterfall and a day-use facility with water, restrooms, and pavillions. Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area is open from 8:30 am to 5 pm daily and costs $5 fee to enter.

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The Guadalupe Rim runs north-south and has excellent views west from the edge. The NMBDR gets close to the edge in the south and again in the north. Stop when you can to take in the views.

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First place on the route to get gas, after Dell City. Weed just has a small convenience store.

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Another great viewpoint, overlooking White Sands.

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side trip.

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side trip.

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Dirt route along the western facing Sacramento Mountains, great views of Alamogordo and White Sands.

side trip.

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side trip.

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Home of the famous Apple Barn.

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The Lodge. Rebecca the Ghost.

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side trip.

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One of the most scenic roads in New Mexico. Spectacular to ride.

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side trip.

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side trip.

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Near Ruidoso. Side trip, worth it if a person has time.

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A small town famous for Smokey Bear. Smokey Bear was a bear found with burnt paws in the aftermath of the Capitan Gap Wildfire that became a symbol for forest fire prevention.

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side trip.

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side trip.

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Last gas available until Reserve, about 130 miles of very remote country.

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Chloride Canyon has a fun twisty road that passes by many different mines and petroglyph sites.

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Bill Knight Gap (NMBDR)

side trip.

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The Ice cave and Bandera Volcano are a privately owned attraction in the El Malpais National Monument. A fee is required to access the trails.

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side trip.

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Its approximately a 700 ft elevation hike to the summit of Mt Taylor from the Water Canyon Trailhead.

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side trip.

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on the route.

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Ghost Ranch is a 21,000-acre education and retreat center located near the small town of Abiquiu. Visitors enjoy hiking trails, museums, a café and gift shop, library, overnight accommodations and camping. Ghost Ranch is renowned for the landscapes made famous by painter Georgia O’Keeffe.

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side trip.

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Colorado-New Mexico Border (NMBDR)

NMBDR PACKING LIST

This packing list serves as an example and is not intended to be a complete list for your backcountry riding needs. Feel free to customize this list to work for you.

  • Map holder / map case
  • GPS unit
  • GPS mount
  • Compass
  • Cell phone
  • Phone charger
  • Plug adapter: auto to BMW plug
  • Camera
  • Spot II
  • Notebook
  • Pencil/pen

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Below are answers to some Frequently Asked Questions about the New Mexico Backcountry Discovery Route.

The NMBDR is the sixth route developed by the Backcountry Discovery Routes organization for dual-sport and adventure motorcycle travel.  The NMBDR is a south-to-north route across the state of New Mexico covering over 1,200 miles of mostly non-paved track.

The route begins in the farming community of Dell City, Texas and finishes in Antonito, Colorado.  Traveling on the best backcountry roads, you will discover New Mexico’s scenic terrain including high-elevation forests, mountains, deserts and canyons. You will experience the unique culture and history of New Mexico’s rural towns, native reservations, historic locations & more.  The route also presents spectacular camping opportunities and highlights the state’s rich history.

The NMBDR has fewer hotel opportunities than other Backcountry Discovery Routes. Camping on the other hand, is plentiful. Official campgrounds are shown on the front of the map with a small tent icon and many more primitive backcountry camps can be found along the way. Because of the limited beds available in the small towns along the NMBDR, it is recommended that riders make reservations ahead of their arrival. Rooms can be found in Cloudcroft, Ruidoso, Carizozo, Truth or Consequences, Reserve, Grants, Cuba, Abiquiu.

There are many campgrounds and suitable dry camping locations along the route. The Butler Motorcycle Map for the NMBDR has a tent icon showing campgrounds on the route and many near the route. The NMBDR Butler Map is available at www.touratech-usa.com,  www.butlermaps.com and other fine retailers.

There are two sections where the distance is 153 miles. The first section is from Dell City to Weed.  Weed usually has gas but occasionally will be out. The second section is from Carrizozo to Truth or Consequences.  It too is 153 miles but you will find gas all the time in these two towns.  Carrying extra gas is strongly suggested.

In most cases camp fires are allowed, but check with local Ranger Stations to determine if campfires are allowed before you build one. Forest fires are a threat during parts of the year and the rules that manage this risk must be followed. Be sure to fully extinguish fires so they are DEAD-OUT. Use water to ensure a fire is fully extinguished and the ground is left cool and wet.

There are a few natural water sources along this route, however, depending on the snow pack, some may not be running. You can find potable water in the towns along the way.  It is suggested that plenty of water is carried for personal and cooking use. Here is a video on water filtration filmed in the Oregon Backcountry: http://youtu.be/vqOFZAoZdTU

Always bring a complete set of maps for the area you plan to ride. They have good information about roads, water sources, and are an indispensable resource when the GPS doesn’t work, or is giving questionable advice. Unplanned events can occur and having paper/synthetic maps of the area can be a life saver. National Forest maps are available at http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/map/state_list.shtml#U and local Ranger Stations. NMBDR Butler Motorcycle Maps are available at www.touratech-usa.com or www.butlermaps.com.

Any GPS unit capable of displaying 15 track logs with a minimum of 500 points each is suitable for use on the NMBDR. Garmin models that work best for this application are: Zumo 665/660, Montana, GPSMap 60, 62, 76, 78 and 276. Other GPS manufacturers may have units that will work. Check the technical specs to determine suitability.

The tracks for the route can be downloaded free of charge online at https://ridebdr.com/download-tracks/ .

Any bike that has a license plate, can run knobby tires, is set-up to carry the gear you plan to bring, and has the fuel range to make the distance between gas stops. Most adventure or dual-sport motorcycles will be suitable for the trip.  Choose the bike that you are the most comfortable riding in desert and mountain terrain.

The NMBDR route is designed to be ridden on adventure and dual-sport motorcycles, as well as driven in 4×4 vehicles. There are no single-track style trails on this route. Many of the roads are in remote areas and reach high elevation areas where road maintenance is minimal or non-existent. You can expect to cover sections of road with deep ruts, loose rocks, sand and other challenges.  Road conditions change from week to week based on the recent weather.  When you see signs that read, “Roads maybe impassable when wet”, use caution, roads become very slick and can be impassable. You may also encounter sections that have trees or branches over the road. Depending on time of year and weather, there may be a few small deep water crossings. Flash floods are frequent during summer storms.  Don’t cross flooded washes. Wait until water subsides.

The NMBDR is best in the months of June and September.  The route can be done in May, but snowpack in the high mountains may keep you from doing the entire route as mapped. New Mexico experiences summer monsoons in the months of July and August.  These heavy rains can keep you from riding the majority of the route due to mud and flash floods.  You can also ride the NMBDR far into November, but the days are shorter and you will encounter hunters.

New Mexico has fast moving thunder storms during the summer months.  These storms usually build in the mountains in the early afternoon and usually contain lightning, hail stones and heavy downpours. These storms can contain heavy winds with blinding dust storms.

DOT approved knobby tires (such as Continental TKC 80, Mefo Super Explorer, or Dunlop 606 are strongly recommended.

Most people average 150 miles a day on a backcountry motorcycle trip. Plan on doing this route in 8 -10 days depending on how fast you want to travel and how early you want to roll out of camp. There is a lot of history to see on the NMBDR so planning a little extra time is suggested.

Yes, there are several gates on the route. The route travels through several ranches where you will find gates open and closed.  Please leave the gates as you find them.

The highest elevations are reached in section 7, where the Los Pinos River access reaches around 9500ft. The NMBDR never stays up high until you get within 100 miles south of the Colorado border.

We do our best to post the most up-to-date information on our Route Updates Page. We depend on the BDR community to inform us about route and road conditions, so if you encounter any road closures or severe conditions that are worth reporting, please contact us with the information.

There is also a dedicated NMBDR Facebook Group Page. We recommend that you join the group prior to your trip to read trip reports and comments from other riders about their experience on the route.

Don’t forget to use our Interactive Map to get route conditions in real time. Read this Article to a quick tutorial on how to use the Interactive Map.

Yes the route can be done North to South.

Much of this route is remote and out of reach for cell phone towers. There will be long sections with no coverage. Your best bet is to talk or text in the towns or on top of mountains. You will be surprised where you get coverage and where you don’t. A satellite communication device is a good idea in the backcountry. Phones with Verizon service have more coverage on this route vs AT&T.

New Mexico is a habitat to many large animals like the Black Bear, Elk, Wolves and Mountain Lions. Safe food practices while camping are an absolute for your safety and the animals safety.  Here is a link to find out more http://www.centerforwildlifeinformation.org/BeBearAware/Hiking_and_Camping/hiking_and_camping.html  Rattlesnakes are also found throughout the state.

Rating the Routes by Difficulty

We often get requests to provide the difficulty ratings of the BDR. We do not officially rate roads or routes because the difficulty can change from day to day depending on weather, changes in road conditions, and road damage caused by a variety of forces including wind, storms, flooding, snow, logging, forest fires and more.

The difficulty experienced by an individual also depends on their off-road skills, level of fitness, stamina, bike size and amount of weight carried on the bike. For these reasons we can’t provide a rating system like a ski resort or OHV park.

We can help you a bit by ranking the existing Backcountry Discovery Routes from most difficult to least difficult. Here is the list: CABDR-South, NEBDR, AZBDR, ORBDR, WYBDR, UTBDR, COBDR, NVBDR, WABDR, NMBDR, IDBDR, MABDR.

So CABDR-South is the most difficult especially if you ride the expert sections and MABDR is the easiest in general terms. Although MABDR is the easiest there are still a few challenging rocky sections and the several water crossings that can get very difficult if the water is high.

Be sure to also review the FAQ’s for each route and our General FAQs prior to embarking on your trip.

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