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Aden Hills Off-Highway Vehicle Area

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Aden Hills Off-Highway Vehicle Area

The Aden Hills Off-Highway Vehicle Area (OHV) comprises almost 9,000 acres of the Chihuahuan Desert. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a government agency tasked with overseeing one out of every ten acres of US public land, protects and maintains the Aden Hills OHV Area, which is utilized up to two times each year for organized motorcycle races by special permit. There are few structures in the area, including a place to rest in the shade. Many visitors and locals enjoy using the numerous walking and biking trails. This site doesn't charge visitors a fee and is open throughout the year.

The Aden Hills OHV Area is a quick 20-minute drive from the major city of Las Cruces. Take time to rest and stock up before continuing your local off-roading adventures. You can also enjoy the area's convenient location near White Sands National Park, an hour and 23 minutes northeast of the Aden Hills OHV Area, and Carlsbad Caverns National Park, three hours and 21 minutes to the east.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Aden Crater Trail

The Aden Crater Trail, 45 minutes south of the Aden Hills OHV Area, is perfect for hiking and bird-watching. Explore a moderately challenging landscape with an elevation of 187 feet. Enjoy the amazing views from the Aden Crater, and investigate nearby volcanic rock formations. You'll need a high-clearance vehicle to reach the main site off Interstate 10.

Length: 1.9 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Mesilla Valley Bosque Trail

This trail begins in the Mesilla Valley Bosque National Park, which is 36 minutes northeast of the Aden Hills OHV Area. Enjoy a leisurely walk or jog with minimal elevation. This trail is perfect for beginners and runs along the Rio Grande. The national park charges a small fee per vehicle and is open all year long.

Length: 1.6 miles

Intensity: Easy

Cox Peak

If you're looking for an exciting challenge, hike up the breathtaking Cox Peak an hour and 32 minutes to the south. This site provides excellent hiking opportunities with an elevation gain of 1,561 feet. You'll have no issue finding a trail up the peak as long as you're careful of the loose stones and wildlife.

Length: 4.7 miles

Intensity: Hard

Climbing

The Rough and Ready Hills, 46 minutes northeast of the Aden Hills OHV Area, are a great local climbing option with more than 40 available routes. These volcanic hills are made from brittle rock with many pockets and a variety of holds. Climbers enjoy the plentiful shade in the afternoon and year-round accessibility.

Wildlife Viewing

The Aden Hills OHV Area is home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed rabbits, antelope, black bears, elk, prairie dogs, and coyotes. As you're exploring the area, be sure to watch out for rattlesnakes, dangerous spiders, and bobcats. Always be aware of your surroundings when hiking, and travel with companions.

Picnicking

There is a sizeable shelter and rest area at the entrance to the Aden Hills OHV Area. You can also set up your own picnic spot. Avoid leaving food and water out for too long since it may attract bees or wildlife. Always clean up after your group, and leave no trace behind.

ATVing

The Aden Hills OHV Area is well-known for its many off-roading opportunities. The land is flat and scattered with low mesquite and a variety of dropseed grasses and cacti. Explore miles and miles of the landscape from the convenience of your off-highway recreational vehicle.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

If roughing it is not your thing, there are several places in the area to go RV camping that provide amenities. Thirty-six minutes northeast of the Aden Hills OHV Area is Sunny Acres RV Park. This site is known for being in a quiet area close to the convenient amenities of Las Cruces. Enjoy excellent Wi-Fi and easy access to the many trails and recreational opportunities in the area. There are plenty of other campgrounds about a half-hour away near Las Cruces including Hacienda RV Resort, Coachlight Inn & RV Park, and Siesta RV Park. Spend your days exploring the exciting sights in the area before returning to a campground equipped with every modern convenience you need.

Free Camping

Bring your own camping gear to the Aden Hills OHV Area, and set up your site under the stars. While you can purchase ample supplies from nearby Las Cruces, be prepared to establish a primitive campsite if you're staying in Aden Hills. Utilizing an off-road vehicle is a great way to carry your supplies and tent while you traverse the huge area. If you search for "BLM camping near me," you will find a couple of other nearby options. Sierra Vista Trail, 48 minutes northeast of the Aden Hills OHV Area, and Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground, an hour and 13 minutes northeast, both offer Bureau of Land Management free camping.

RV Rentals Near Aden Hills Off-Highway Vehicle Area Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Aden Hills Off-Highway Vehicle Area BLM trip

The Aden Hills OHV Area is perfect for every level of hiker looking for excitement. Bring along a few ATVs for easy transportation along with adequate food and supplies. Parking your RV at a nearby campground is a great way to ensure you have a safe place to sleep each night. If you plan to set up a tent in the desert, ensure you bring along proper cookware, insect repellent, and sunscreen.

The Aden Hills OHV Area is rich in scenic opportunities, but you likely won't run into other hikers unless you're near the shelter or on a prominent trail. Many visitors to Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are looking for quiet solitude as they explore the local trails, sights, and experiences. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Every camper and visitor is required to leave no trace. By cleaning up after your picnics and packing all trash to be thrown away later, you help protect and maintain the natural environment. Always bury your waste more than 200 feet away from any source of moving water. Avoid confronting or otherwise disturbing any wildlife you encounter. The Aden Hills OHV Area is home to many birds, reptiles, and mammals. Every camper is just visiting and should leave the land as pristine as possible.

Aden Hills Off-Highway Vehicle Area Location

To reach the Aden Hills OHV Area from Las Cruces, follow I-25 West until you reach the Corralitos Exit. After taking the exit, travel three miles west before turning south on County Road B-005. Travel down this road for approximately five miles, and then look for a sign indicating the entrance to the Aden Hills area.

Ready to visit the Aden Hills OHV Area? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice, soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.

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