Guadalupe Rim Road - New Mexico - OnX Route

[Joestac]

Anyone done this route?

With Spring Break coming up the wife and I kind of wanted to go out and use this thing for what it was built for. This seems like a great first start. Easier trail, with some beautiful scenery. Looks like we have to drive due east for quite a while to get to Carlsbad, NM, from Central Texas, then hit some side roads to get to the start of the trail. It is about 50 miles from Carlsbad to the start of the trail, hoping for at least one small gas station on the way. Trail is 50 miles itself, so there and out and back is roughly 200 miles. Getting near 300 to the tank should provide some cushion if there isn't a gas station.

https://webmap.onxmaps.com/offroad/...XYGQNPDTBCD&mode=dirt#11.73/32.4664/-104.9568

Link to the map. It does seem to make you want to sign in, so apologies if you cannot see it. You can search Guadalupe Rim Road on OnX as well to find it. Was going to bring some basic recovery gear along with what the Trailhunter already has, air compressor, full-size spare. I have a second compressor I always bring, medical supplies, Noco battery jumper, toolkit, Swiss Army rescue tool, flashlights to name a few.

Appears to be quite a few off-shoots to choose from as well along the way. All with some pretty great views. Open to any and all feedback.

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[Joestac]

Well, decided to try it. Hit Carlsbad and I'm going to go drive out to the trail tomorrow AM. 189 mile loop in total.

 

[Joestac]

Made it to the top.

 

[Joestac]

Wanted to post a note on gas just in case others ever try this and were worried like I was about mileage and availability. The only places for gas along this route are either Carlsbad, where I started, or Arteisa, where I ended.

My loop from Carlsbad all the way around and back was 184 miles so I figured as long as my mileage off-road didn't tank I would be more than covered. Which turned out to be more than true.

150.9 miles from Carlsbad to the Guadalupe Rim Road and then onto Artesia, I averaged 26 MPG. About 60 of those miles were off-road, and about 15 of those miles was in 4HI, the rest was 2HI. I guess the way the trail was, the hybrid engine was able to do a lot of heavy lifting. I was blown away. I topped off in Carlsbad and then put 5.67 gallons in the tank in Artesia. This was in ECO mode.

Only damage she got was the dust storm coming home. Managed to dodge all but one tumbleweed, scratched up the front bumper a bit. Also, both rear fender liners were peppered pretty good from debris, so there are a bunch of tiny marks. However, that is what this thing is for, using it, never going to stay pretty and I'm fine with it.

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