Mesa de Anguila Backcountry Trail
Volcanic mesa climbing through Chihuahuan Desert
Mesa de Anguila rises like a fortress from the Chihuahuan Desert floor, its volcanic cap rock creating a natural table surrounded by sheer cliffs. This gnarly BLM route climbs the back side through a maze of arroyos and loose rock shelves before gaining the mesa top at 5,200 feet. The track follows ancient cattle paths and mining roads through fields of barrel cactus and ocotillo, with the technical challenge coming from exposed bedrock sections where one mistake sends you tumbling into the desert below.
Expert-level driving skills required with rock sliders mandatory and a full recovery kit non-negotiable. The route demands precise line choice and momentum management over loose volcanic scree. Winter offers the only comfortable temperatures, though spring brings desert wildflowers if you can time the rare rains. No water available and the nearest services are in Truth or Consequences, 40 miles away. The reward is camping on the mesa rim with 360-degree views from the Rio Grande to the Black Range, plus solitude that few ever experience.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 15 mi / 24.1 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5200 ft |
| Best season | November-March |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with armor |
| Nearest town | Truth or Consequences, NM |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle Mesa de Anguila?
No. This trail requires a modified 4WD with skid plates, rock sliders, and a lift — volcanic rock is sharp and unforgiving. A stock rig will get torn up, and a recovery will be a very long way out.
What's the best time of year to run Mesa de Anguila?
November through March. Summer temps in the Chihuahuan Desert regularly push past 100°F, and heat-related mechanical issues and dehydration become serious risks. Winter days are mild and the desert is at its best.
Do you need a permit to run this trail?
No permit required — it's BLM land with open dispersed access. There's no fee, no registration, and no quota system. Follow Leave No Trace and don't camp in washes.
What's the hardest section and what makes it dangerous?
The climb onto the mesa itself is the crux — loose volcanic rubble over steep shelf road with significant drop-offs and no room to turn around. Misread a line and you're looking at a rollover with zero cell service and a long wait for help.
How far out do I need to carry water, and is there any source on the trail?
There is no water on this trail — none. Nearest reliable sources are back in Truth or Consequences, roughly 30+ miles away. Carry a minimum of 2 gallons per person per day, more in shoulder seasons when you might underestimate the heat.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.