The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is the federal government agency that maintains Horsethief Mesa Trail in New Mexico and many other public lands. BLM monitors plant life and wildlife, renewable resources, and many other important aspects of an area's health. Though they are concentrated west of the Mississippi, BLM-managed sites are all across the country—search "BLM camping near me" to find one nearby.
Horsethief Mesa Trail is filled with natural beauty, scenic vistas, and thriving ecosystems of wildlife. Located within the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument, it's a collection of rocky, mud-filled, and narrow paths that lead to a stunning collection of mesa mountaintops overlooking the area's iconic gorge. Mountain bikers, sightseers, and hikers come here year-round to enjoy the agreeable climate, mild weather, and ample swimming opportunities at nearby rivers and springs. Off-road vehicles, ATVs, and other equipment can be enjoyed on the trail as well.
This is a loop trail with biking and hiking paths that are narrow and prone to steep drops and irregularities. There are many natural ramps along the winding loop. The trail has a rollercoaster-like quality as different descents will bring unique jumps and grooves to manage. The back half of the loop becomes more open and flat, making it a good place to wind down and catch your breath.
Length: 9 miles
Intensity: Intermediate
This is a straight, out-and-back trail less than 20 minutes from Horsethief Mesa Trail. It intersects the greater Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument area. It closely follows the gorge's side for its duration, and the path is mostly flat. Vegetation and rock features become sparser the deeper you delve into the mid-size trail.
Length: 3.7 miles
Intensity: Easy
This is a large loop trail that intersects with all other trails within the area. You can use it as a shortcut to other trails or for a quick exit. Following the loop, the long path remains free of steep drops and difficult inclines in spite of its size. It's a leisurely trail for biking, sightseeing, and hiking.
Length: 10.3 miles
Intensity: Easy
This is an out-and-back trail located at a high elevation. It's deep into the park and offers many rocky, mud-slicked ramps for you to enjoy on the descent. It's the most challenging path within the park for mountain biking. The trip up the path, while steep, is broad and is good for hiking and sightseeing; a spring is located at the bottom of the path.
Length: 2.2 miles
Intensity: Difficult
Horsethief Mesa Trail overlooks a river at the bottom of the Rio Grande gorge. It requires a challenging descent to reach, but fishing and swimming are permitted here. Boat access is not permitted from this trail. A short hike away, the Black Valley Hot Springs Trail offers more fishing opportunities with its creek, streams, and springs. The area's eponymous hot springs are open for swimming, too. Another option is the nearby Arsenic Springs Trail, where fishing and boating are also possible at the trail's basin. New Mexico's freshwater sources are home to many species of fish, like bass, trout, and many kinds of salmon. Unique to the area is the Rio Grande cutthroat trout.
The gorge on the back half of the loop offers many challenging climbing opportunities. Intermediate and easy climbing challenges are available near the base of the gorge. Horsethief Mesa Trail is a popular access point for climbing activities within the larger park, so it will be crowded. Nearby Arsenic Summit and the Rio Grande Gorge West Rim Trail also have climbing opportunities.
Horseback riding is possible on the Horsethief Mesa Trail. The top of the mesa has a lot of open space and sturdy, flat ground. Horses will have plenty of room to run, making it a fun destination for the activity. Nearby Trader's Trail is another wide-open area with flat terrain suitable for horseback riding.
Horsethief Mesa Trail is home to many chipmunks and squirrels. Small lizards dominate the higher altitudes. The open sky of the mesa will allow you to see many colorful birds like the meadowlark. Large birds of prey, raptors, and owls are also common in the area. Coyotes, small cats, and black bears are found on Horsethief Mesa Trail, though they are shy. Elk and deer are common as well.
RVs cannot access Horsethief Mesa Trail directly. However, BLM RV camping is permitted at the visitor's center for Rio Grande Del Norte Monument. A nightly fee is required for access to amenities like outhouses, info kiosks, and vending machines. If the visitor center's spots are all taken, there are some other RV camping options nearby. Both El Agaje Campground and Taos Monte Bellow RV Park are less than half an hour from the trail's visitor center.
Free boondocking is possible at this location. However, there is a limited number of free connectors available. The interstate roads leading to the park will have areas for you to pull over overnight as well.
Bureau of Land Management free camping services are available on Horsethief Mesa Trail. You are welcome to pitch tents and start campfires on trail grounds as well as along its nearby rivers. The same is true for all nearby Bureau of Land Management campgrounds.
Plan ahead to make the most out of your trip. Bring essential equipment like coolers, spare tires, fire-starting equipment, and cookware. Heavy-duty equipment like ATVs, canoes, and off-road vehicles can be brought as well. Extra activity-specific supplies like fishing rods and bait will be useful for extending the duration of your outing. Likewise, setting up a mobile hotspot will allow you to stay connected to civilization. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Please assist BLM in its mission of preserving Horsethief Mesa Trail for the future. Do not approach or feed wildlife. Clean up your party's trash, and pack all of your equipment before leaving the site. Do not leave uneaten food or flammable material in the area.
To reach Horsethief Mesa Trail, take 64 West out of Taos to the interstate junction. Continue straight for a mile toward Arroyo Hondo. From here, go left onto Old State Road, and make a quick right on Tres Loma Road. Follow the hill onto the main road, and continue past the substation. The destination is by the track near a clearing.
Ready to visit Horsethief Mesa Trail? 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.
