Ride New Mexico’s Haystack Mountain OHV Area

The Haystack Mountain OHV Area, just off U.S. 70 22 miles northeast of Roswell, N.M., features 1,920 acres of trails to ride. Enthusiasts can find the proper terrain for their skill levels, from rock to sandy washes to deep gullies with difficult hill climbs.

The Haystack Mountain OHV Area is designed for OHVs no wider than 50 inches. Officials say the area is ideal for motorcycles, with its varied terrain. AMA-sanctioned trials competitions are sometimes held there.

Haystack Mountain’s parking lot is big enough for easy loading and unloading of machines and is used as a staging area for large events.

OHV use, motorcycle riding, mountain biking, hiking, backpacking, nature viewing and wildlife watching all are allowed at the area.

Camping is allowed in pullouts next to the sun shelters and in the large gravel parking lot used for parking and events. Dispersed camping is allowed within the entire area, but OHV trails must be used to access the interior of the area for camping.

The area has several picnic sites with shelters, tables and grills. Toilet facilities are available. No potable water is available.

Anyone operating an OHV on land controlled by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management must do so in accordance with state laws and regulations concerning use, standards, registration, operation and inspection of off-road vehicles.

Unless you are exempted by the New Mexico Department of Motor Vehicles, you must register your off-highway vehicle and affix the registration plate to your vehicle.

Fees are $3 for an individual and $5 for a vehicle with two or more people. The OHV area is open year-round.

Directions: Travel 22 miles northeast of Roswell on U.S. 70.

Contact:  BLM Roswell Field Office, 2909 W. Second St., Roswell, NM 88201. Phone: (575) 627-0272. Website: https://www.blm.gov/visit/haystack-mountain-ohv-area.