These 11 Dirt Roads Lead To Unforgettable Destinations In New Mexico

It actually took me three separate attempts to make it to Chaco Culture National Historical Park because of the roads. Learn from my mistakes and don’t attempt this drive in an unreliable vehicle (or if your bumper is held on by duct tape). That being said, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a sufficient reward to justify any inconvenience. The canyon contains the biggest collection of archeological ruins north of Mexico and, until the 19th century, the structures here - which once included 600 rooms piled four stories high - were the largest in North America. For more info.

The name of this little known hiking spot between White Rock and Santa Fe suggests trouble. While you’ll likely have this stunning place to yourself, the difficulty comes in reaching it. In good weather, you can rattle down this "road" in a regular vehicle, but AWD or 4WD makes the experience easier. Once here, hike below basalt cliff faces to the banks of the Rio Grande. For more info.

This 24-mile dirt road is actually a destination in itself. The scenic drive leads you past landscapes of brightly-colored earth, by canyons, and provides plenty of opportunities to view wildlife. For more info.

If you’re looking to ease into dirt road driving, Valles Caldera is mostly accessible by paved roads until you turn off to reach the visitor center.

The country’s newest national preserve was formed about 1.2 million years ago, after a supervolcano erupted and collapsed. Depending on the season, you’ll find opportunities for hiking, cross country skiing, fishing, hunting, and back country access both on foot and in a vehicle. (Several of these activities are seasonal and/or require permits.) For more info.

This may well be New Mexico’s most isolated hidden gem. The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness is a 41,170 acre-area that contains rock formations that will make you think you’ve traveled to another planet rather than along sand and gravel roads. The only "amenity" here is the dirt parking lot, so come prepared for adventure. For more info.

Looking for somewhere creepy, cool, and remote? Head to Lake Valley. Husks of buildings, still containing personal items, litter this ghost town. This spot was a mining town that once boasted 4000 residents. The 1893 silver panic combined with a devastating fire spelled the end for Lake Valley.

The BLM owns the part of the town the public can access – take a self-guided tour Thursday through Monday, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Here is some info on a ghost town road trip that includes Lake Valley.

The road to Dripping Springs alternates between paved and unpaved. Here you’ll discover trails with absolutely gorgeous scenery in a rugged environment. If you fancy something less strenuous, there are also picnic areas, where you can observe the wildlife – especially birds. For more info.

Bottomless Lakes State Parks feels like it’s in the back of beyond but it’s actually only 15 or so miles from the center of Roswell. This unusual park contains nine sinkholes filled with water in vivid hues – be sure to stop at both the Devil’s Inkwell and Lea Lake. For more info.

Most people don’t know that Aztec has a collection of natural sandstone arches. If you’re up for adventure, stop by the Aztec Visitor Center for a pamphlet outlining the locations of these rock formations. (You’ll predominantly be driving on dirt access roads made by oil or gas companies). For more info.

There are plenty of dirt roads running through the portion of the Cibola National Forest near Mount Taylor. However, if you want to scale Mount Taylor itself, you need to hike the Gooseberry Springs Trail three miles to the summit. (Follow Lobo Canyon Road out of Grants until the pavement disappears then continue on Forest Road 193 to Trail 77.)

This rock formation was once a volcanic plug, serving as the stopper for the vent of a volcano. Much of the land around Shiprock is privately owned, however you can view the rock formation off Indian Service Route 13 (accessible via US-491).