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Tags:
Level: Intermediate
Length: 20 mi (32.2 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: Network
Elevation: +421/ -496 ft
Total: 16 riders
Mountain Biking Haystack Mountain
#89 of 283 mountain bike trails in New Mexico
Haystack is a series of OHV trails on the bluffs or mesas overlooking the Pecos River Valley, Roswell, Capitan Mountain and Sierra Blanca Mountain in the distance. There some technical singletrack contained within the network of trails and some very smooth, more relaxing rides. All the rides pass through a beautiful high desert area and are very enjoyable. The trails jump in and out of dry creek beds and this provides the most technical terrain. Some of the creek beds, however, are so deep with sand that they are not rideable, but provide you with a soft landing if you jump down into the creek to fast (just ask my buddy Ernie)! This is my favorite of the few mountain biking areas in the Roswell area.
First added by jakegeorge823 on Feb 17, 2008. Last updated Apr 28, 2020. → add an update
Before you go
- Drinking water: unknown
- Lift service: unknown
- Night riding: unknown
- Pump track: unknown
- Restrooms: unknown
- Fat bike grooming: unknown
- E-bikes allowed: unknown
- Fee required: unknown
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
From Roswell, take Hwy 70 east about 19 miles. As you crest the bluffs overlooking the Pecos River Valley you will see a set of antennas on your left. Once you approach the antennas you will see the sign for Haystack Mountain OHV
Area. The entrance is on the left.
The trail was great today! Rode here solo (not advised). Like others said 3$ entry, sand in spots, and pick your trail. The best I found was to stay at the base of the canyon. Really amazing views though!
| ThankPick the right trail and this place is a blast! Pick the wrong one and its a sandy mess. The 8 mile loop is mostly single track with a few tricky short decents. There are a couple of drops into sand that are a hoot to fly off of. The north trail, is best done as an out and back. The right trail can be hard to pick out.
| ThankThese trails are made more for ATV/Dirt Bikes.There is a lot of sand, more times than not you'll be riding downhill and building momentum for the next uphill climb when you'll ride through a wash/draw and get bogged down in sand. If the sand wasn't an issue this would be a great place to ride. That said, depending on the trail you ride there's enough technical riding to entertain most riders, yet it's easy enough for a novice rider. I mostly rode the North Loop trails which is the more technical of the 3 trails you can choose from. If you take the Central Loop or especially the West Loop you'll find yourself in some fairly easy terrain with little to no technical challenges. Riding in the summer may not be the best idea unless you get out early and don't stay past 12pm. I fortunately rode on a day that was in the mid-60's and overcast.
| ThankTrail is as described. Not a Mountain Bike destination, but a good place to stretch the legs if in the area. 1/4 mile off RT 70. look for sign for Haystack Mtn. Look at the pictures; what you see is what you get.
| Thank$3.00 entry fee. 2/5/11 Found some great tec. ST at the far end. Well worth the DT riding to get there. Great winter time riding area. * Review edited 2/6/2011
Parts of the system reminded me of porcupine ridge in Moab. There is a lot of sand from the ATV use. I wouldn't want to ride this in the hot, dry season. Nice campsights at TH. Bring money for it is a fee area. Not a trail I would go out of my way to ride.
| Thank* Review edited 4/2/2010
| Thank