Permit status not confirmed. Check with the managing agency.
Ride at your own risk. This is open public land, not a managed park, terrain changes without warning, hazards are not marked, and help can be a long way off. Scout unfamiliar ground before you commit to it, and tell someone your plan before you go.
Guide
About this area
The landscape within the Red Sands Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area is primarily mesquite coppice dunes that range from one meter to several meters in height. There are over 100 miles of trails that have been developed by users. Although the trails are utilized during organized motorcycle races, other users are allowed…
Read more
The landscape within the Red Sands Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area is primarily mesquite coppice dunes that range from one meter to several meters in height. There are over 100 miles of trails that have been developed by users. Although the trails are utilized during organized motorcycle races, other users are allowed to drive cross country if they wish. Currently there is one race per year that the BLM authorizes through a Special Recreation Permit, usually in February.
At a glance
Quick facts
Best season
February
Managing agency
Bureau of Land Management
Access
Getting there
US-54 west side, between mileposts 44 and 45Entrance
The area is accessed from the WEST side of U.S. Highway 54, approximately 20 miles south of Alamogordo, between MILE MARKERS 44 AND 45. Watch your odometer — the mileposts are the landmark.
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
Currently there is one race per year that the BLM authorizes through a Special Recreation Permit, usually in February.
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.
Your privacy
We use essential cookies to run the site and, with your consent, analytics cookies to improve it. See our Privacy Policy.
