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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.