Run the Pecos River follows the river bottom north of Lakewood in Eddy County, New Mexico. The route stays low and close to the water most of the way, winding through mesquite flats and sandy two-track before climbing away from the river on the return leg. It is an easy, accessible run that works well as a half day trip or a warm up before tackling harder trails in the area.
Trail Summary
- Location: Near Lakewood, New Mexico, 17 miles north of Carlsbad, off US 285 at NM State Road 381
- Distance: 21.9 miles
- Difficulty: Level 1 - Suitable for high clearance 2WD
- Minimum Elevation: 3,167 ft
- Maximum Elevation: 3,350 ft
- Elevation Gain: 1,407 ft
- Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours
Difficulty
Suitable for high clearance 2WD
Stock equipment is sufficient and no special equipment is needed. The road is dirt and sand with occasional rocky stretches, and any challenges or dips along the way stay under 5 inches. Grades are slight with good traction throughout. Most of the route is wide enough for two vehicles to pass.
Elevation
The trail sits in a low river valley and holds a narrow overall elevation band, ranging from 3,167 feet to 3,350 feet. The recorded gain of 1,407 feet reflects the steady series of small dips and rises where the road drops into and climbs out of shallow washes and old river channels rather than any real climbing. Net elevation change from start to finish is close to zero, so this is a mostly flat run with a lot of gentle undulation.
Terrain
This is desert and river bottom terrain. The track alternates between packed sand along the Pecos River and firmer dirt two-track through mesquite and creosote flats set back from the water. Expect soft sand in spots, especially closer to the river, along with a few shallow washes that cross the road. There are no significant obstacles and the road stays wide for most of its length.
4WD Experience
A high clearance 4WD vehicle will move through this trail without difficulty. The main things to watch for are soft sand pockets near the river and washboard sections on the drier stretches. Standard tires and stock suspension are fine. Airing down slightly can help in the sandier sections but is not required in dry conditions.
Travel Time
The recorded track covers 21.9 miles in a total elapsed time of about 1 hour 55 minutes, which includes several stops along the way. A high clearance 4WD vehicle running the trail at a steady, unhurried pace with a couple of short stops should expect to spend roughly 1.5 to 2 hours on the route.
Highlights
The main draw here is the Pecos River itself, with the road tracking close to the water for long stretches and offering repeated river views and access points. The flats along the route open up wide desert sightlines, and the drive is a good option for wildlife viewing in the early morning or evening.
Trail GPS File
Map