Introduction
Sierra County, New Mexico is a rugged and mountainous region that is ideal for off-highway adventures. The county is home to a variety of trails, from beginner-friendly dirt roads to challenging rock crawls. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride or an adrenaline rush, you’ll find the perfect trail in Sierra County.
In addition to the many trails, Sierra County also hosts two major off-highway events: the Chile Challenge and the Rubber Chicken Ride. These events are a great way to meet other off-road enthusiasts and learn about the many amazing trails in the area.
Note that most of the trails are not named but can be found using the free Ride Command app from Polaris.
The Palomas Gap Trail
The most popular of the Sierra County OHV trails, Palomas Gap Trail is a 25.3-mile point-to-point trail with a 4,314 ft. elevation gain that serves up some of the most dramatic scenery in the county along with what’s sure to be an adrenaline rush! You’ll traverse everything from dirt roads to sandy arroyos and narrow rocky canyons, with several steep slopes and drop-offs along the way. Plus, you’ll find several intersecting trails that can add additional layers of adventure and difficulty to your ride if you have time to explore.
Cell phone coverage will be intermittent, so it’s best to download the route before heading out. And be sure to keep an eye on the Rio Grande water levels and flow rate as you’ll need to cross the river. You can plan on roughly four hours to complete the trip, which starts at I-25 Exit 63 and ends in Williamsburg.
Palomas Gap Trail in Sierra County, New Mexico
Two Spectacular OHV Events
Perhaps the best way to learn OHV routes in Sierra County is to experience them first-hand by participating in one of two major OHV events, the Rubber Chicken Ride and the Chile Challenge, both of which will introduce you to a number of marked and unmarked trails.
The Chile Challenge
What It Is… and What It’s Not
The Chile Challenge is not a competition, but rather a personal challenge for each rider to test his or her skills against the desert, mesa and mountain terrains near Truth or Consequences in southwest New Mexico. Whether you prefer relaxing rides across the desert to enjoy the views, rock crawls that can be as intimidating as they are exciting, or some of New Mexico’s most extreme routes that will test your limits and well as those of your vehicle, you’re sure to enjoy the socialization, rides, scenery, and the knowledge you’ll gain regarding Sierra Couty’s OHV trails.
Event Details
A nationally-recognized, family-friendly event and the largest of its kind in southern New Mexico, the Chile Challenge encompasses three days of fun, with trails rides on days two and three. Experienced riders lead each day’s trail ride, help participants overcome large obstacles, and stay in touch with participants via CB radio. Registration and complete details are available at www.chilechallenge.org. Event walk-ins are accepted on a first come, first served basis until the trail quotas are reached. Note that there is a per-day participation fee.
Some fun competitive events include vying for “Flex-out Champ” on the articulation ramp and testing just how slow your vehicle can go in the 40-yard Sloth “race” in which brakes, stopping and swerving are disqualifiers. Other activities include a potluck, ice cream social, vender expo, fire pit and story sharing. Merchandise is available at the event and a food truck will be on site with plenty of food and drinks. So what are you waiting for? Get the details, sign up today, and get ready for an event you’re sure remember for a lifetime!
Chile Challenge off-highway event in Sierra County, New Mexico
The Rubber Chicken Ride
Overview
Back in full force after a Covid hiatus, the Rubber Chicken Ride is a no-fee fundraising event held in November. Proceeds support New Mexico OHV Association’s (NMOHVA’s) mission, which is to promote, protect, and preserve OHV opportunities in New Mexico. This dual-sport motorcycle event will take you through some of the most spectacular mountain and desert areas of New Mexico, including Mt. Withington, Chloride Canyon and Palomas Gap. Riders can choose which trails to explore and most riders are more than happy to let newcomers follow them. This is a great opportunity to gain valuable information regarding OHV trails, explore some of them first-hand, and make plenty of new friends along the way.
Event Details
This is a first come, first served three-day event which limits the number of riders to 100. The $100 registration fee includes event decals, Saturday night dinner and a chance to win some great raffle prizes. Bikes are required to meet New Mexico OHV Statutes, which include spark arrestors and requirements regarding noise levels. Details are available at www.nmohva.org.
Safety Tips
When participating in off-highway adventures, it is important to take safety precautions. Here are a few tips:
- Always wear a helmet and other protective gear.
- Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for other riders.
- Don’t exceed your skill level.
- Stay on designated trails.
- Respect the environment.
- Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, snacks and a fully-charged phone
Conclusion
Sierra County is a great place to experience the thrill of off-highway adventures. With its diverse terrain and challenging trails, there is something for everyone in Sierra County. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, you’re sure to have a great time exploring the county’s off-highway trails. And if you’re not yet familiar with the area’s trails, the Chile Challenge and Rubber Chicken Ride offer amazing opportunities to learn about the diversity of trails, where to find them, which trails are best suited to your level of experience, and how to best navigate the trails you wish to explore.
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your off-highway adventure in Sierra County today!
