Getting Oriented
Glade Run Recreation Area covers BLM land on Farmington's eastern edge, reached off Pinon Hills Blvd and Glade Road. The main gravel parking area here serves the Glade Run OHV Area, better known locally as Chokecherry Canyon, the popular name for the rock-crawling zone that makes up most of the recreation area's reputation. At an elevation of 5,669 feet, the terrain runs from packed sand and arroyo bottoms to exposed sandstone ledges. The same parking lot leads to the Calle Norte Bike Park Trailhead, a separate mountain-bike-specific network. A third area, Brown Springs, sits about 2.5 miles north on County Road 1980 and handles camping and OHV skills training.
Trail Overview
Chokecherry Canyon holds more than two dozen named trails, and they don't share one difficulty level. Some are graded enough for a stock high-clearance 4WD; others are built around rock ledges and line choice that call for a modified, rock-crawl-rated rig and a driver who has done this before. The zone is well known enough in the sport that it hosts the WE Rock Grand Nationals, a competitive rock-crawling event, on-site. During an event, expect course flagging, staging areas, and closures on the trails in competition use.
Calle Norte Bike Park, reached from the same main parking lot, is a mountain-bike-specific network with its own trailhead kiosk, maintenance stations, and a skills practice lot.
Points of Interest
- Chokecherry Canyon (Glade Run OHV Area): the technical rock-crawling zone, two dozen-plus named trails, host site for the WE Rock Grand Nationals
- Calle Norte Bike Park: mountain-bike-specific trailhead with maintenance stations and a skills lot, off the Glade Run OHV Area parking lot
- Brown Springs OHV Area: about 2.5 miles north on County Road 1980; adult OHV training area with a training pan and skills trail
Where to Camp
Brown Springs Campground has 10 developed sites about 2.5 miles north of the main OHV area, with site #10 ADA accessible. There's no potable water at either Brown Springs or the main Glade Run OHV Area, only vault toilets, so bring your own.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Match the trail to the vehicle: Chokecherry Canyon's harder-rated lines are not the place to find out a stock rig's limits
- Carry recovery gear; slickrock ledges and rock gardens are unforgiving on undersized tires or a missed line
- Bring water: neither the main OHV area nor Brown Springs has potable water on site
- Confirm event schedules before a visit; competitions like the WE Rock Grand Nationals can close sections of Chokecherry Canyon to general use
- Farmington has full services nearby; this isn't a remote trip, but cell coverage inside the canyon can be patchy
Fuel and Water
Farmington has full services, immediately adjacent to the recreation area. No potable water on site at either the main OHV area or Brown Springs Campground. Bring your own.
Nearby
Farmington, New Mexico is the nearest town, immediately adjacent to the recreation area.
