Elephant Rock For Dirt Biking

Northeast of Sante Fe and Taos near Red River, the Elephant Rock route is a 9 mile one-way trek open to dirt biking. It is recommended to ride from south to north for all riders. Less experienced riders should stay on the loop trails on the south slope and not drop down into Cabresto Canyon. There is a steep, difficult portion of trail on the north side.

To reach the trailhead from Red River, travel west 3 miles. Motorcycle trail begins at the parking area west of Fawn Lakes Campground and climbs north to the rock formation called Elephant Rock.

From the trailhead, 3 inner loop trails bring you back to Highway 38. A fourth trail travels west along the ridge for approximately 4 miles before it descends in a northerly direction to join Forest Road 134 in Cabresto Canyon. From Cabresto Canyon, motorcyclists can travel east and return to Red River on either Forest Road 134 or on Sawmill Road, Forest Road 597.

Recommended Direction of Travel: South to north for all riders. Less experienced riders should stay on the loop trails on the south slope and not drop down into Cabresto Canyon. There is a steep, difficult portion of trail on the north side.

Overall, Elephant Rock is the 1st most popular dirt bike trail of all 14 dirt biking rides in New Mexico. Several of the better dirt bike trails are nearby Elephant Rock including 4th Of July Canyon, Cerro Negro, Garrapate Ridge, Goose Lake, Largo Lake and Middle Fork.