New Mexico is a haven for motorcyclists and outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Called the “Land of Enchantment,” this southwestern state features mountains, alpine forests, deserts, rivers and lakes. Motorcycle riders can take in the breathtaking vistas, camp in the wilderness and participate in a wide variety of outdoor sports and activities. If you are planning a trip to New Mexico, there are several motorcyclist hot spots.
Ruidoso
Situated in the lower Rocky Mountains in southeastern New Mexico, Ruidoso is a popular spot for motorcycle campers. This small mountain town offers year-round activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, skiing, horseback riding and others. Ruidoso is situated next to the Lincoln National Forest and hosts an annual motorcycle run each September, the Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally, which draws thousands of motorcyclists to town. Several campgrounds and RV Parks welcome motorcyclists like you, such as the Alto Hombre Gordito Hideout and the Circle B RV Park.
Taos
Located in the northern part of New Mexico, along the breathtaking Turquoise Trail, Taos offers motorcyclists a wide variety of activities. Popular recreational sports there include skiing, snowboarding, fishing, white-water rafting, golfing, hiking, mountain biking and llama trekking. Several popular ski areas are nearby, such as Angel Fire and Red River. Motorcyclists can cruise along the winding mountain roads and take in the scenic vistas in Taos. There are several types of campgrounds available, such as La Sombra, and you can pitch your tent in the Wild River Recreation Area or Carson National Forest.
Sugarite Canyon State Park
Sugarite Canyon State Park is located in the northeastern part of New Mexico on the border of Colorado. This state park features wooded mountains and wildflower meadows. Popular recreational activities here include fishing, bird watching, hiking and boating. Motorcyclists can camp at one of several area campgrounds, such as the Lake Alice campground. The Explore NM website recommends the Soda Pocket campground, which is surrounded by wildflower meadows and a wide variety of hiking trails.
Jemez Mountains
The Jemez Mountains are situated in north central New Mexico amidst a huge ponderosa pine forest. All Getaways ranked this area in the top five campgrounds in New Mexico. Popular daily activities include water sports and hiking. Motorcyclists tend to appreciate some of the unique features of this area, such as having to drive through the Jemez Pueblo Reservation with red canyon walls in the backdrop and viewing Soda Dam, a naturally-formed mineral dam. Some of the most popular campgrounds are the Jemez Falls campground and the Redondo campground.
Gila National Forest
The Gila National Forest covers more than 3 million acres of land and is the sixth largest forest in the U.S. It is a favorite camping spot for many motorcyclists because of its wide variety of scenery and activities. You can start off in warm, dry lowlands with juniper trees and cacti, and drive up high in the mountains and see aspen trees within a few hours. Recreational activities there include hiking up toe the Cliff Dwellings National Monument, mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding and several water activities. Choose from several campgrounds, such as the Juniper campground, Pinion campground and Upper End campground.
Member Comments