Permit status not confirmed. Check with the managing agency.
BLM does not recommend leaving the surfaced areas in any vehicle other than an all-terrain vehicle. The sand's capacity to hold water allows mature cottonwood trees to thrive, but may also cause dunes to move about a foot per year.
Guide
About this area
More than 610 acres of towering 90+ foot sand dunes await your enjoyment in the Mescalero Sands North Dune Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area. The dune field stretches over most of the area and lends itself well to all terrain cycles, sand rails and dune buggies.
Facilities
The Bowl Parking Area provides access to the northern portion of the dunes, which includes the 'Bowl.' The Cottonwood Site provides access to the southern portion of the dunes. Trails connect both portions of the dunes.
Full agency description
New: BLM to begin boundary fence construction at Mescalero Sands OHV Area. Beginning Oct. 21 through approximately Nov. 30, the boundary fence at Mescalero Sands OHV Area will be under construction. OHV riders, please ride responsibly and stay alert to sections of fence that will be under construction. More than 610 acres of towering 90+ foot sand dunes await your enjoyment in the Mescalero Sands North Dune Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area. The dune field stretches over most of the area and lends itself well to all terrain cycles, sand rails and dune buggies. The dunes are made up of quartz particles and are constantly changing due to the prevailing southwest wind. When the dunes are active, they move about a foot per year. Among the biggest surprises in the area are the mature cottonwood trees. The combination of a very shallow water table and the sand's capacity to hold water allows these trees to thrive in an arid environment. While the road into Mescalero Sands is capable of supporting cars, trucks and buses, the soft sand off established roads and parking lots is not. BLM does not recommend leaving the surfaced areas in any vehicle other than an all-terrain vehicle. The Bowl Parking Area provides access to the northern portion of the dunes, which includes the "Bowl." The Bowl is a large depression surrounded by dunes. The Cottonwood Site provides access to the southern portion of the dunes. Trails connect both portions of the dunes. Purchase activity passes
At a glance
Quick facts
Camping limit
Camping limited to a maximum of 14 consecutive days
Managing agency
Bureau of Land Management
Access
Getting there
⬅️ FROM ROSWELL — US-380 east, turn south at the signEntrance
From Roswell travel east 45 miles on US 380 and turn SOUTH at the sign.
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.
🗺️ BLM publish free georeferenced PDF maps that show your live GPS position with no cell service, download the map for this area before you leave tarmac.
Permits
Permits & registration
Permit and registration details
Purchase activity passes.
State residents
New Mexico residents: your OHV must be registered with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and display the registration decal.
Out-of-state riders
Out-of-state riders: a New Mexico non-resident permit is required before riding on any public land in New Mexico, unless you carry proof of a valid OHV registration from your home state. If you need one: $48 for a 2-year permit or $18 for 90 days.
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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