Permit required — There are no fees to ride Alkali Lake. New Mexico OHV permit rules still apply.
⚠️ The trails get bad when wet. BLM warns the OHV trails may be difficult to navigate after rain, and the last 1.5 miles in are unpaved and unmarked.
Guide
About this area
Alkali Lake offers 11 miles of motorized trail winding through dune vegetation north of Carlsbad. Once used for organized races, it now serves casual riders.
Camping
Dispersed camping is allowed with a 14-day stay limit.
Facilities
No potable water and no restrooms. Parking is a rough semi-circular area only. Nearest services are in Loving, 21 miles north via US-285.
Full agency description
Alkali Lake Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area has 11 miles of motorized trails winding through the dune vegetative area. Formerly a location for organized races, Alkali Lake now mostly sees casual users who desire motorized single-track trails where camping is allowed all a short drive from the town of Carlsbad.
At a glance
Quick facts
Best season
Year-round — trails get difficult when wet
Camping limit
Dispersed camping, 14-day stay limit. Rough semi-circular parking area only — no potable water, no restrooms. Pack in, pack out.
Managing agency
BLM Carlsbad Field Office
Access
Getting there
Unmarked road off Rains RoadEntrance
From Carlsbad go north on N. Canal St for 4.3 miles. Continue straight onto Illinois Camp Road for 0.7 miles. Turn RIGHT onto Rains Road and drive 0.9 miles. Turn LEFT onto an UNMARKED ROAD and drive 0.6 miles to the trails. ⚠️ The final turn is UNMARKED — watch your odometer.
🚫 No fireworks, firearms, weapons, or glass bottles in the parking or track zones.
Pack out all trash, follow local fire restrictions, and keep pets on a leash of 6 feet or less.
🪖 Under 18 must wear a DOT or ECE approved helmet and eye protection, and hold an OHV safety permit. Under-18 riders must be visually supervised by an adult unless they hold a valid driver license, and may not carry a passenger.
Non-residents without home-state registration need a New Mexico permit. It costs $48 for two years or $18 for 90 days.
Common equipment, registration and trail-use rules still apply.
Ride to the highest safety standard, not the legal minimum. A helmet, eye protection, a flag and proper gear are what get you home.
🗺️ No signal? Take an offline map. Download the free georeferenced PDF map for this area before you leave tarmac: www.blm.gov
Permits
Permits & registration
Day pass
No fee.
Permit and registration details
There are no fees to ride Alkali Lake. New Mexico OHV permit rules still apply.
State residents
New Mexico residents must have their OHV registered with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and display the registration decal.
Out-of-state riders
Out-of-state riders need a New Mexico non-resident permit before riding on any public land in New Mexico. We accept proof of a valid OHV registration from your home state, otherwise it is $48 for a 2-year permit or $18 for 90 days.
Permit and registration rules change. Confirm current requirements with the managing agency before you ride, as you are responsible for compliance.
Trip support
Fuel, food & local help
Pump gas & diesel
Loving, NM — nearest gas and stores (BLM)fuel
21 miles via U.S. Route 285 · BLM name Loving as the nearest gas and stores, 21 miles away on US-285. Carlsbad is where the directions start and has full services — top off there.More
21 miles via U.S. Route 285 · BLM name Loving as the nearest gas and stores, 21 miles away on US-285. Carlsbad is where the directions start and has full services — top off there.
Area information is informational only and may be inaccurate or out of date. Verify access, weather, closures, permits and hazards before and during any trip. See Terms.
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