Home > New Mexico > Farmington |
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Other Names | Dunes Vehicle Recreation Area, Head Canyon OHV Area, Dunes OHV Area |
Last Known Status | Open |
This large open area offers about 800 acres of desert trails, steep to moderate hill climbs, sandy arroyo bottoms and dunes surrounded by tall sandstone walls. The area is open year-round but the main entrance road may be impassable during inclement weather. There is no water or other services except for a vault toilet so come prepared.
Shade is limited as the area mainly consists of scattered scrub brush and juniper trees. Camping is permitted but is primitive. An active gravel and sand pit along with private property sections lie to the north.
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 | Not Required | |
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 | ||
Campfires | ||
Night Riding | Yes | |
Trail Blazing | Some Areas | |
Rule Enforcement |
Area | Motorized Trails, MX Track, Off-Road Dunes |
Land | BLM |
Features | Public |
Max Engine Size | No Maximum |
Min Engine Size | No Minimum |
Parking | (None) |
Entry | (None) |
Riding | (None) |
Camping | (None) |
Our Rating | Good |
Recommended Stay | Full Day |
Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
Nearest City | Farmington, NM | ||
| From: Farmington, NM
1) Take Hwy 371 south (Bisti Hwy) about 1.5 miles. 2) Main entrance is on the right (west). |
Contact Info | BLM - Farmington Field Office 1235 La Plata Highway Farmington, NM 87401 (505) 564-7600 jalleman@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 |
Approx Size | 800 acres (1 sq mi) | |
Miles Of Trail | 20 | |
Climate Type | Desert | |
Elevation | 5400 to 6000 ft. | |
Trail Maintenance | Unknown | |
Loose Dirt | Little | |
Hard Pack | Little | |
Sand | Mostly | paddle or sand tire recommended for best experience |
Mud | Little | |
Dust | Little | |
Rocks | Some | |
Trees | Few | |
Steep Hills | Some | |
Water Crossings | None | |
Small Jumps | Some | |
Large Jumps | Some | |
Berms | Some | |
Sand/Gravel Pits | Few | |
Single Track | Some | |
Roads | None | |
Shade | Few | |
Ranges/Gunfire | None | |
Hazards | Few | (hazards assumed marked but use caution) scattered active gas wells |
Novice | Mostly | |
Amateur | Some | |
Expert | Little |
Gasoline | 1-5 Miles (N) | Shell Westside Quickmart (505) 324-0365 |
Diesel | 1-5 Miles (N) | Shell Westside Quickmart (505) 324-0365 |
Water | 1-5 Miles (NE) | Mom & Pop RV Park (505) 327-3200 |
RV Hookup | 1-5 Miles (NE) | Mom & Pop RV Park (505) 327-3200 |
RV Disposal | 1-5 Miles (NE) | Mom & Pop RV Park (505) 327-3200 |
Campground | On Site | |
Conv Store | 1-5 Miles (N) | Shell Westside Quickmart (505) 324-0365 |
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