Getting Oriented
Haystack Mountain OHV Area sits on the breaks above the Pecos River, 22 miles northeast of Roswell just off US 70. Its 1,920 acres of BLM land take in a sandstone escarpment cut by deep gullies, with bare-rock slopes and sandy washes threading the ground between them. The Roswell Field Office manages the area, which stays open year-round with a $5 day-use fee per vehicle and a $15 rate for buses carrying more than 15 people.
The parking lot at the entrance is built for easy loading and unloading, with room to stage trailers for large events. The rock here is technical enough that nationally sanctioned trials competitions run on it every year.
Trail Overview
Nothing wider than 50 inches is allowed on the trails, which puts the area squarely in motorcycle and ATV territory; full-size rigs and wider side-by-sides stay in the parking lot. The BLM designed the network around machines that size, with motorcycles first in mind, and the single-track sections are open to mountain bikes as well.
Sandy washes on the lower ground suit newer riders, while the escarpment stacks steep hill climbs in and out of deep gullies over long stretches of bare rock. Summer highs around Roswell sit in the mid-90s and the site has no potable water, so the comfortable riding window runs October through April.
Points of Interest
- The escarpment: a sandstone wall broken by deep gullies, holding the hardest hill climbs in the area
- Pecos River overlooks: the area sits on the breaks above the river, and the high ground gives long views over the valley
- Trials grounds: stretches of bare rock host nationally sanctioned trials competitions each year
- Picnic shelters: covered tables and grills near the staging area, including two accessible sites
Where to Camp
Dispersed camping is allowed anywhere in the area under the BLM's 14-day limit; staying longer means moving at least 25 miles and not coming back for 28 days. Facilities run to toilets and covered picnic sites, with no potable water and no hookups, so campers haul in everything they drink. For a developed base, Bottomless Lakes State Park east of Roswell has campsites and water, and Roswell itself sits about 25 miles away with full services.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Carry all your water. The area has toilets but no potable supply, and the nearest source is Roswell, about 25 miles away.
- Bring the $5 day-use fee per vehicle; buses carrying more than 15 people pay $15. Passes are also sold through Recreation.gov.
- Keep machines at 50 inches or narrower. Wider side-by-sides are not allowed on the trails.
- Watch for rattlesnakes around rock ledges and gully bottoms in the warm months.
- Plan around the heat in June through August, when highs sit in the mid-90s; early starts help.
- Leash pets, and leave firearms and fireworks at home; both are prohibited on site.
- The Roswell Field Office (575-627-0272) has current conditions and event schedules.
Fuel and Water
There is no fuel or water at the area. Roswell, about 25 miles away, has the nearest gas stations, groceries, and lodging; top off tanks and fill water containers in town, because the site offers toilets and covered picnic tables and nothing else.
Nearby
Bottomless Lakes State Park, east of Roswell off US 380, pairs developed campsites with swimming in a chain of sinkhole lakes. The BLM's Mescalero Sands North Dune OHV Area, farther east of town, trades sandstone for shinnery-oak sand dunes and makes an easy second stop on an OHV trip through the Roswell area. In town, the International UFO Museum covers a rest day, and Roswell has full services.
