Cuba to Regina Backcountry Loop
Ghost towns and Continental Divide wilderness
This challenging loop starts in Cuba and heads north through some of New Mexico’s most isolated high country, connecting the ghost town of Regina with volcanic peaks and hidden valleys along the Continental Divide. The route follows a network of forest roads and ranch tracks through the Nacimiento Mountains, passing abandoned homesteads and crossing several seasonal creeks. Key waypoints include the Regina ghost town ruins and the impressive volcanic dikes near San Pedro Mountain, where ancient lava flows created towering rock walls.
Expert-level navigation skills essential—this is seriously remote country with no cell service and confusing road junctions. Full-size 4WD with recovery gear mandatory, plus GPS and paper maps. Multiple creek crossings can become impassable during spring runoff or summer storms. Best attempted June through September when snow clears the high passes. Carry extra fuel, food, and water for at least two days. The isolation and raw beauty of this largely forgotten corner of the state rewards those willing to venture deep into New Mexico’s backcountry.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 84 mi / 135.2 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 8900 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Full-size 4WD with recovery gear |
| Nearest town | Cuba, New Mexico |
| Land manager | Santa Fe National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a lifted Tacoma or stock 4Runner handle this loop, or do I need a full-size rig?
The trail specifies a full-size 4WD as the minimum — a stock 4Runner will likely struggle on the rougher sections. High clearance, low-range gearing, and a full recovery kit (traction boards, hi-lift, snatch strap minimum) are not optional here.
When does this route open up after winter, and can I run it in October?
Best window is June through September. Snow and mud at elevation can make sections impassable into late May, and early fall storms can close things fast above 8,000 ft. October is a gamble — check Santa Fe National Forest road conditions before you go.
Do I need a permit to run this loop or camp along it?
No permit required for the route itself — it runs through Santa Fe National Forest where dispersed camping is allowed. Follow Leave No Trace, stay on established routes, and check for any active fire restrictions before you leave Cuba.
What's the hardest section of this trail and what should I actually expect?
The most technical sections come in the backcountry segments approaching the Continental Divide where rocky two-track, loose surface, and steep grades combine. Water crossings add another layer depending on runoff levels — this is rated Expert for a reason, and a mechanical failure out here means a very long, very expensive recovery.
How far is the gas and resupply situation — can I make the full 84 miles on one tank?
Cuba is your last real fuel stop before launching the loop, and there's nothing out there — 84 miles of remote backcountry with zero services. Fill up completely in Cuba, carry extra fuel if your range is tight, and pack all food and water for the full 2-3 days because cell service is completely dead throughout.
Trail track
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