Mescalero Sands North Dunes OHV Area

Quick Facts

New Mexico

(505) 627-0272

Map Directions

Things To Do

Overview

Over 610 acres of towering 90-foot sand dunes await visitors' enjoyment in the Mescalero Sands North Dune Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area. The dune field stretches over most of the area and lends itself well to all terrain cycles, sand rails, and dune buggies. The dunes are made up of quartz particles and are constantly changing due to the prevailing southwest wind. When the dunes are active they move about a foot per year. While the road into Mescalero Sands is capable of supporting trucks and buses, the soft sand off established roads and parking lots is not. BLM does not recommend leaving the surfaced areas in any vehicle other than an all-terrain vehicle.

Among the biggest surprises in the area are the mature cottonwood trees. The combination of a very shallow water table and the sand's capacity to hold water allows these trees to thrive in an arid environment.

The Bowl Parking Area provides access to the northern portion of the dunes, which includes the "Bowl." The Bowl is a large depression surrounded by dunes. The Cottonwood Site provides access to the southern portion of the dunes. Trails connect both portions of the dunes.

Map of Mescalero Sands North Dunes OHV Area

Latitude, Longitude: 33.415395, -103.904572

Camping
RV camping is allowed in the north, middle, and south parking lots. Dispersed camping is allowed in the dunes away from the parking lots, but these areas can only be accessed by machines designed to go in soft sand.
Hiking
There are trails available for hiking and backpacking.
Off Highway Vehicles
The dune field stretches over most of the area and lends itself well to all terrain cycles, sand rails, and dune buggies. The dunes are made up of quartz particles and are constantly changing due to the prevailing southwest wind, adding an extra challenge.
Picnicking
There are picnic tables and shelters at the Bowl Parking Area. The Cottonwood Site has three shelters equipped with picnic table and grills. The restroom is also located at the Cottonwood site. There is no water available at Mescalero Sands.