Aden Hills OHV Guide – New Mexico Desert Off-Roading
Aden Hills Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area offers an expansive 8,700-acre playground for off-road enthusiasts in New Mexico’s Chihuahuan Desert. With its combination of low desert dunes, rugged trails, and open cross-country riding opportunities, Aden Hills caters to a variety of OHV riders, from dirt bikers to ATV and UTV adventurers.
Originally designated in 1993 as a space for open cross-country motorized travel, this Bureau of Land Management (BLM)-managed area has remained a key destination for organized events, training programs, and self-guided exploration.
Destination Details
| Season | Year-round (spring and fall preferred) |
| Location | New Mexico |
| General GPS | 32.211734, -107.092314 |
| Management | Bureau of Land Management (BLM) |
| Area Size | 8,700 acres |
| Nearest Major City | Las Cruces, NM |
| Difficulty | Varies: Easy to Moderate |
| Vehicles Allowed | Motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, 4x4s |
Getting Oriented
The Aden Hills OHV Area showcases the rugged beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert, featuring gently rolling creosote-covered dunes, mesquite brush, and desert-adapted grasses. With a mix of stabilized terrain and open riding zones, it is well-suited for those looking to test their skills in varied conditions.
The area sees limited, structured activity outside of organized events, offering a quiet and open experience for overlanders and off-roaders who venture in on their own.
Getting to Aden Hills OHV
The Aden Hills OHV Area is located approximately 20 miles southwest of Las Cruces, New Mexico. While the trailhead can be accessed year-round, visitors are encouraged to check weather conditions beforehand, as rain can make some sections of the route slick and challenging.
Directions:
From Las Cruces, follow I-25 west to the Corralitos Exit (MM 127). Travel west approximately 3 miles on Robert Larson Blvd (southern frontage road), then turn south on County Road B-005. Follow this county-maintained road for about 5 miles, and look for a sign marking the entrance just south of a cattleguard.
Trail Overview
The Aden Hills OHV Area provides a unique mix of open desert exploration and occasional technical riding opportunities. Unlike trails with defined routes, Aden Hills allows for cross-country travel, making it an excellent destination for experienced riders looking for freedom and challenge.
- Terrain: Mesquite-dotted dunes, sandy washes, hard-packed stretches, and occasional rocky sections.
- Difficulty: Varies depending on the chosen path; beginners can stick to stabilized areas, while experienced riders can explore deeper into rougher zones.
- Events: The area hosts up to two organized motorcycle races annually under special BLM permits, and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish uses the area for ATV/UTV training programs.
Visitors are encouraged to come prepared with navigation tools, as the open terrain lacks marked routes. Be mindful of the environment and practice Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact.
Camping Options
While there are no formal campgrounds within the Aden Hills OHV Area, dispersed camping is permitted on BLM lands. Visitors can camp in pull-outs or flat desert sections nearby, ensuring they remain at least 100 feet from any water sources.
- Facilities: No restrooms, water, or trash services are available on-site.
- Camp Prepared: Bring plenty of water, pack out all trash, and avoid campfires during fire restrictions.
Points of Interest
While riding through Aden Hills, keep an eye out for notable desert features:
- Creosote Dunes: Rolling terrain covered in resilient desert flora.
- Wildlife Spotting: The area is home to desert-adapted species like lizards, jackrabbits, and occasional desert birds.
- Sunset Views: Open desert skies provide some of the best sunset opportunities in the region.
Final Tips for Aden Hills OHV
- Safety Gear: Wear helmets, goggles, and protective riding gear.
- Recovery Gear: Bring recovery tools, a spare tire, and plenty of fuel—getting stuck in the dunes can be challenging.
- Weather Watch: Spring and fall offer the best weather; summer temperatures can be extreme, and winter nights get cold.
- Stay Alert: As an open OHV area, riders should watch for other vehicles and remain aware of their surroundings.
With its expansive desert terrain and open-riding opportunities, the Aden Hills OHV Area offers the perfect destination for off-roaders looking to explore the rugged beauty of the Southwest.
Phone: For questions, contact the BLM Las Cruces Field Office at 575-525-4300.
