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| Home > New Mexico > Mescalero |
Mescalero Sand Dunes
Monday, July 29, 2024
| Other Names | Mescalero Dunes, Roswell |
| Last Known Status | Open |
This area is open year-round and offers 610 acres of sand dunes. Camping is permitted but there are no water or electric hookups so come prepared.
Some basic amenities are available such as picnic tables, shelters and BBQ grills which can be found at the Cottonwood area. The Northern Bowl area also has picnic tables and some sun shelters. Whip flags and sand tires are recommended.
The dune area is just about 30 miles east of Roswell, which is known for an alleged flying saucer crash during the summer of 1947. The city also hosts the annual Roswell UFO Festival in July which draws thousands of people across the world.
REGULATIONS
| Permit Required | Yes | NM OHV Permit |
| Dates Open | Year-Round | |
| Other ATV Stickers Accepted | Yes | Residents of any state without an OHV registration program must purchase a Nonresident OHV Use Permit. (AL, AK, FL, GA, HI, IL, KS, KY, MS, NE, NC, OK, SC, SD, TN, VA, WV) |
| Spark Arrestor | Yes | A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles. |
| Noise Limit | Yes (96 dB) | |
| Whip Flags | Whip Flags Recommended For Safety | |
| Maximum Vehicle Width | No Restriction | |
 Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes | Permitted | |
 ATVs | Permitted | |
 UTV & SXS | Permitted | |
 SUVs & Jeeps (registered) | Permitted | |
| Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered) | Permitted | |
| 2 Stroke Engines | No Restriction | |
| MX Helmet Required | Youth Only | required for persons under 18 by state law (RiderPlanet strongly recommends helmets for all riders.) |
 Camping | Some Areas | RV camping permitted in staging areas. |
 Campfires | ||
| Night Riding | Yes | |
| Rule Enforcement |
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TYPE OF AREA
| Area | Off-Road Dunes |
| Land | BLM |
FEES & PASSES
| Parking | (None) |
| Entry | Yes ($3.00 per person) two or more passengers in vehicle - $5 |
| Riding | (None) |
| Camping | Yes Tent: $5.00 RV: $5.00 Addtl. Vehicle: $0.00 |
RATINGS
| Our Rating |  Good |
| Recommended Stay | Full Day |
| Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
| Nearest City | Roswell, NM | ||
| Address | 2nd Street, Roswell, NM 88203 | ||
| From: Roswell, NM
1) Take Hwy 380 east about 35 miles 2) Look for gravel road between mile post 193 and 194, turn right (south) here 3) Continue about 1 mile toward the sand dunes. |
OFFICIAL CONTACTS
| Contact Info | BLM - Roswell Field Office 2909 W. Second Street Roswell, NM 88201-2019 (575) 627-0272 blm_nm_pdo_mail@blm.gov www.blm.gov |
| Contact Info | New Mexico Game And Fish 1 Wildlife Way Santa Fe, NM 87507 (888) 248-6866 (505) 476-8000 ispa@state.nm.us www.wildlife.state.nm.us |
| Comment | OHV Permit Info |
Mescalero Dune Area Photo
Photo Submitted 1/5/2013 (Thanks!)
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TERRAIN
| Approx Size | 610 acres (1 sq mi) | |
| Climate Type | Desert | |
| Elevation | 4100 to 4200 ft. | |
| Trail Maintenance | Unknown | |
| Loose Dirt |  None | |
| Hard Pack | None | |
| Sand |  All | paddle or sand tire recommended for best experience |
| Mud | None | |
| Dust | None | |
| Rocks | None | |
| Trees |  Few | handful of mature cottonwood trees |
| Steep Hills |  Some | |
| Water Crossings | None | |
| Small Jumps |  Many | |
| Large Jumps | Some | |
| Single Track | None | |
| Roads | None | |
| Shade | Few | staging areas have a few gazebos |
| Hazards | Few | (hazards assumed marked but use caution) Beware of diamondback rattlesnakes in and around dunes. |
 Novice | Some | |
 Amateur |  Mostly | |
 Expert | Some |
GPS POINTS
KEY SERVICES
 Gasoline | 30+ Miles (W) | Shell (575) 624-2414 |
| Diesel | 30+ Miles (W) | Shell (575) 624-2414 |
 Water | 30+ Miles (W) | Bottomless Lakes State Park (575) 624-6058 |
 RV Hookup | 30+ Miles (W) | Bottomless Lakes State Park (575) 624-6058 |
 RV Disposal | 30+ Miles (W) | Bottomless Lakes State Park (575) 624-6058 |
| Campground | On Site | |
 Conv Store | 30+ Miles (W) | Shell (575) 624-2414 |
RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS