After a suggestion to the moderaters, we now have a New Mexico dune forum! Thanks! These are some pretty cool dunes about 36 miles east from Roswell, New Mexico. For folks in Las Cruces (like us) these dunes are around 3 1/2 hours away. A nice trip for a 3 or 4 day weekend. Camping is primitive w/ one set of pit toilets in the main parking area. There are a few sites w/shade coverings and grills spotted along various dune access points. These are a hot commodity and go pretty quick. Camping is $5 a night.
The dunes themselves are pretty expansive. Lot's of mid sized hills with a few towering to 70+ feet or so. There are 2 areas - the north dunes and south dunes which are connected by a few sandy trails. There is also a sandy trail that goes around the entire dune area - this makes for a nice sunset ride.
The area is quite large enough for standard to mid-sized rails - mostly ATV's ride the area, however. We have a SSVI with a track width of 80" in the rear and a length of almost 142". I have no problems transversing the dunes at all. Night riding is allowed with proper lighting of course - and all New Mexico ORV's/ATV's must be registered with the State. There are no "Green Stickers" here. That, however is something we're working on.
If you ride in the summer, bring your shade tent - it is a must. There is always a nice breeze, but once the sun starts heating up, it get's hot fast. Winter riding is awesome. During the weekends, it can get pretty busy - be sure to have your flags.
See you there!
-Shaun
