Over 800 acres of fun is waiting for off-road enthusiasts at the Dunes Vehicle Recreation Area south of Farmington. The off-highway vehicle area contains a wide variety of topography including large sand dunes, steep to gentle hillsides, and sandy arroyo bottoms. Innumerable roads and trails exist in the Dunes, created by nearly 40 years of off-road vehicle use. The diverse landscape attracts a variety of motorized activity and provides riders a place to play, test their endurance, and improve their skills.
Activities
OHV use, Motorcycle riding, Mountain Biking, Hiking/backpacking.
Facilities
A vault toilet is provided for public use and is located in the bottom of the recreation area. Please help keep the dunes free of dangerous obstacles by hauling out your trash.
Location / Access
The Dunes Vehicle Recreation Area is about 1.5 miles south of the City of Farmington on NM 371. The Dunes is confined to the east and the south by steep sandstone walls and to the west by the Navajo Nation boundary. Private property and an active sand and gravel pit lie north of the Dunes. Respect private property and protect your right to ride; ride only where allowed.
Off Highway Vehicle Use on Public Land / Safety
Enjoy your play -- do it the right way by following all rules and regulations for off-highway vehicle use on public land. Anyone operating an off-highway vehicle on BLM land shall do so in accordance with state laws and regulations concerning use, standards, registration, operation, and inspection of off-road vehicles. Unless you are exempted by the New Mexico Department of Motor Vehicles, you must register your off-highway motor vehicle and affix the registration plate to your vehicle (NM State Statute 66-3-1003).
Anyone operating an off-highway vehicle on public land must have a valid state license or "learners permit" unless: a) the individual is under the direct supervision of a person 18 years of age or older who has a valid operator’s license and who is responsible for the acts of the person being supervised; or b) the person is certified by state government as competent to drive off-road vehicles after successfully completing a state approved operator’s training program.
Enjoy your play - do it the safe way, by following these simple safety suggestions:
- Know your limitations.
- Ride with a partner.
- Always wear a helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing.
- Make sure each rider in your group has a map and knows where the party is headed.
- Be familiar with your vehicle and keep it in good working condition.
- Expect the unexpected. Take plenty of water and high energy food. Pack a first aid kit. Avoid running out of gas and carry tools needed for minor repairs.
- Operating an off-highway vehicle requires a high degree of skill and judgment. Ride unimpaired - don’t use drugs or alcohol.
- If your vehicle is equipped with a headlight, ride with it on at all times. It will allow other users to see you sooner.
- If riding at night make sure your vehicle is equipped with headlights sufficient to light an object 300 feet in front of you. Make sure your red taillights can be seen at a distance of 500 feet from the rear.
Active gas wells exist in the Dunes Vehicle Recreation Area. Be safe and stay away from well pads, pipelines, and oilfield equipment. Watch for traffic and heavy trucks.
Have a positive influence on the area and those around you, practice the Tread Lightly! Pledge:
Travel only where permitted.
Respect the rights of others.
Educate yourself.
Avoid streams, meadows, and wildlife areas.
Drive and travel responsibly.
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