OHV in Ruidoso - Where to ride and the rules of off-road driving.
Ruidoso’s first off-road adventure specialist, Backcountry Attitudes, provides 4×4 off-roading adventures through scenic wilderness and mountain terrain for a unique Ruidoso adventure.
For the thrill of it!
Ruidoso and Lincoln County offer numerous and diverse opportunities for off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation. Miles of trails and open areas await all types of off-road enthusiasts.
Ride your own ATV or UTV/ROV or sign up for a guided OHV adventure tour. Whatever you choose, there is nothing quite like the adrenaline boost of off-road exploring in Ruidoso, New Mexico.
Can I legally ride my ATV/OHV on the street in RUIDOSO?
Please review ORDINANCE 2018-09, an ordinance adopted to authorize and regulate the operation of Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs) on roads in Ruidoso.
OHV use on national forests has increased as visitors seek more outdoor activities. Know the rules of the road and learn the effects of motorized use on the forest. Please remember to Tread Lightly! and avoid wet and muddy roads. Only #RideOn roads designated for motor vehicle use. Find out where you can ride on the Lincoln National Forest at https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/lincoln/recreation/ohv
Before heading out.
All vehicles must be registered as required by New Mexico law.
New Mexico residents must title and register OHVs with the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division to operate the vehicles legally on public lands. Registration costs up to $53 for two years.
Non-resident permit fees are $48 for two years or $18 for 90 days. Permits are available at all New Mexico Department of Game and Fish offices and online: http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/ohv/registration-permits/.
Top OHV Trails
The Rio Bonito Trail Loop is a 3.7 mile loop trail located near Alto that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and off road driving.
The East Mesa Trail is a 9.9 mile point-to-point trail located near Lincoln in the Fort Stanton Snowy River Conservation Area that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options. Horses are also able to use this trail.
The Elk Valley Trail is a 7.2 mile out and back trail located near Alto that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, trail running, and off road driving.
The Smokey Bear Ranger District offers a small selection of trails for use with OHVs including motorcycles and ATVs less than 50" wide. For alternatives other than trail riding, all OHVs are allowed on any open dirt road within the Forest.
Areas for OHV Trail Riding in Smokey Bear RD
TUNE IN to the Village Volume podcast to hear Ruidoso outfitter Lance Roe of Backcountry Attitudes talk all things outdoor recreation in Ruidoso including guided OHV adventure tours.
OHV Best Practices
Owners of vehicles used for off-highway recreation need to be aware of Ruidoso Ordinance 2018 and New Mexico laws and regulations. Find OHV requirements, information, and map of New Mexico recreational riding sites in this OHV New Mexico Brochure (Updated 03-30-2020).
The following list of tips should help OHV users and other recreationists appreciate and enjoy the use of public lands.
OHV riders should wear protective helmets.
New Mexico law requires anyone younger than 18 operating an OHV on public lands or authorized paved roads to possess an OHV safety permit during use. Note: Within the Village of Ruidoso, only OHVs are permitted on approved roads. ATVs are not.
Observe posted signs. Fenced areas mark sensitive wildlife and plant habitat, and are "closed" to vehicle use. The "open" riding areas are also posted and those on foot should be aware of their locations.
Vehicle lights or tall flags are recommended for visibility and safety.
Please respect private property.
Help preserve our heritage. Treat cultural sites with respect. Do not touch petroglyphs or remove artifacts.
Tread Lightly. Not all public lands are open to OHV and ATV use. Check with Forest Service or BLM offices, before exploring on your own.
Prevent Wildfires. New Mexico's OHV Act requires that all OHVs, except snowmobiles, operated on public lands, must be equipped with a U.S. Forest Service approved spark arrester.