Owl Bar Road to Tres Piedras — Rio Grande del Norte Rim Desert Traverse via Ute Mountain (New Mexico)
Volcanic rim above the Rio Grande gorge.
The Rio Grande cuts 800 feet into the Taos Plateau here, and this route walks the rim of that gorge across the kind of open, windswept volcanic country that northern New Mexico does better than anywhere. Starting near Arroyo Hondo north of Taos, the track crosses Bureau of Land Management sage flats studded with juniper and basalt rock outcrops before reaching the west rim of the gorge proper. The views down into the river corridor — especially at the Ute Mountain segment — are legitimately staggering. You can see the Sangre de Cristo peaks to the east and the Tusas Mountains to the west simultaneously from certain high points along the bench.
Most of this route is passable in a stock high-clearance 2WD in dry conditions, but sections along the rim turn to greasy black caliche mud after any rain and will stop even aggressive 4WD rigs cold. Run it dry or don’t run it at all. No permit required, though you’re crossing BLM and state land — stay on existing tracks. Best season is May through June and September through October; summer afternoons bring lightning and winter brings ice. No water on route. Fuel in Taos. This is one of the quietest rim drives in the Southwest, largely because most visitors stick to the paved scenic byway on the east side.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 38 mi / 61.2 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7800 ft |
| Best season | May-June, September-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD recommended |
| Nearest town | Taos, NM |
| Land manager | BLM — Taos Field Office |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | BLM Rio Grande del Norte NM |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail, or does it need a lift?
A stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner handles this fine under normal dry conditions. The route is moderate — loose volcanic rock and rutted two-track — not a rock crawler. Lifted rigs have more margin if the road is wet and rutted out.
When does this route typically become impassable, and is it drivable in winter?
Spring snowmelt and summer monsoons (July–August) can turn the dirt sections into axle-deep mud — the basalt-clay mix gets slick and stays wet. Best windows are May–June and September–October. Winter access is hit or miss depending on snowpack at 7,800 ft elevation.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp on this route?
No permit required for vehicle travel or dispersed camping — it's BLM land under the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. Standard BLM rules apply: 14-day stay limit, 300-foot setback from water and roads, pack out everything.
What's the hardest section of the route and what should I actually expect?
The stretch near Ute Mountain has the most exposure — loose volcanic rock, uneven shelf road sections, and minimal room for error if you drift toward the gorge rim. It's not technical, but a moment of inattention matters out here. Don't rush it.
How far is the nearest gas and water resupply, and is there water on route?
There is no water on route — carry all you need. Taos is your last reliable fuel and water stop before heading out; Tres Piedras has very limited services at the far end. For a 1–2 day run, plan for at least a gallon per person per day plus radiator reserve.
Trail track
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