Don't forget that New Mexico has some awesome riding, check it out.
Out west, California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona and even the Pacific Northwest, get all the riding accolades. But don’t forget New Mexico. Not only are there a ton of scenic and exciting paved roads, but there are a ton of dirt and gravel roads that are ideal for ADV and dual-sport bikes.
Although a few of these rides are farther north, and therefore subject to cold temps, some of the southern routes can be accessed pretty much year round if you find a nice warm spell. There is some amazing scenery, with a lot of high-desert landscapes and mountains. And a bonus is that you can’t beat the southwestern cuisine. A few of the routes originate near Silver City, which is a super cool town in the southwestern part of New Mexico, and a great hub for riding.
Alamogordo, NM Loop
This loop heads east along Highway 82 before heading down West Side Road (dirt), then returning north on Sunspot Highway back to 82. This is a great ADV/Dual-sport route with dirt, epic paved roads, and excellent scenery.
Valles Caldera Dual-Sport/ADV Loop
This ADV/Dual-Sport loop heads out of Los Alamos, NM, and circumnavigates the Valles Caldera park, then picks up dirt and heads east toward Espanola, then back to Los Alamos.
Gila Wilderness ADV Loop
This loop heads out of Silver City toward the west on 180 then north before heading into Gila National Forest on dirt. It then heads south on FR150. One of the highlights is the beautiful pave Highway 35 before heading back into Silver City.
Cimarron, NM, ADV Loop
This ADV ride has a good mix of dirt and pavement. It heads out of Cimarron on Highway 64 towards Eagle Nest Lake, north to Red River, then north on 522 to 196. It then loops back to the south to Cimarron.
Blanco, NM, ADV Loop
Heading out of Blanco just east of Farmington, you hit the dirt right away on 4450 then onto 379 heading south to 550, before heading north on 537. You'll then start working your way west along some very scenic roads back to Blanco.
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