Chloride Canyon, NM

[Todd & Meg]

Glad to find this thread. We are heading down to the Gila next weekend. Planning on south-to-north route along the North Star Mesa Road. It looks like beautiful country. I'll keep the Chloride route in mind for future weekend treks. I will post up on how our trip goes (note - I am taking an off-road teardrop trailer). I think the roads should be suitable, but apparently the area is susceptible to washouts. Weather should be fine though.

How was this pulling the teardrop?

 

[Matt L.]

Hey guys. My son and I did this route two days ago and it was fantastic. This was our third day on the NMBDR (New Mexico Backcountry Discovery Route). We started the day in Truth or Consequences and made it to Chloride Canyon around noon. The lady at the museum in Chloride is a wealth of information on the area. We camped at Snow Lake. The campground is very nice but water is still shut off for winter. Collect your firewood before you get there.

On the way out 180 was not passable unless you want to spend a few days with a chainsaw. We had to turn around only a few miles in. I am sure it will be cleared in the next month or so. We took 28 around to Reserve.

Morning Coffee in my hammock.

 

[Matt L.]

What was the total distance/time of the trip?

Do you happen to have on a shareable file?

Did you camp out or did you see any stellar camping spots?

I've got a 3 day trip in 5 days and at present time I've got nothing concrete locked in. Was planning on going to the Jemez mountains but this might be an option as part of the trip. We are coming from El Paso.

Thanks,
-Chris

This route is section NM3 on the NMBDR (New Mexico Backcountry Discovery Route) and downloadable from the official website.

New Mexico Backcountry Discovery Route (NMBDR)

 

[FireMedicPQ1]

How was this pulling the teardrop?

The teardrop did great. The road was in good shape, no real issues. Some parts of the road were narrow and steep, and there were some minor washouts. I was able to get the trailer through it all, of course I took it on the Kokopelli last year - that was a bit of a challenge to say the least. We love backcountry with the teardrop. It does limit some of the areas where we used to adventure, but I still really enjoy the backroads and getting away from the crowds.

 

[4x4TruckCamper]

Question for those of you that have been there. Do you think it would be possible to run a full size 4x4 truck with overhead camper thru the canyon? I think my biggest problem is overhead branches.

 

[HoffmanMark]

Question for those of you that have been there. Do you think it would be possible to run a full size 4x4 truck with overhead camper thru the canyon? I think my biggest problem is overhead branches.

Question for those of you that have been there. Do you think it would be possible to run a full size 4x4 truck with overhead camper thru the canyon? I think my biggest problem is overhead branches.

When my buddies and I drove thru the canyon last year he had a Thule box on top of his Jeep JL and I had 2- 5gallon Jerry cans laid 90* from vertical on top of my 04 4 RNR. We didn’t have any issues, but you are definitely sitting higher. How far into the forest will you be going?

 

[4x4TruckCamper]

When my buddies and I drove thru the canyon last year he had a Thule box on top of his Jeep JL and I had 2- 5gallon Jerry cans laid 90* from vertical on top of my 04 4 RNR. We didn’t have any issues, but you are definitely sitting higher. How far into the forest will you be going?

I was hoping to go all the way thru to Reserve and beyond. My overall height definitely has me concerned. To clear the top of the camper, I need about 10'-6". Don't laugh, but I was planning on bringing my pole chain saw. I just don't want to spend my entire vacation pruning the forest trail.

 

[HoffmanMark]

I was hoping to go all the way thru to Reserve and beyond. My overall height definitely has me concerned. To clear the top of the camper, I need about 10'-6". Don't laugh, but I was planning on bringing my pole chain saw. I just don't want to spend my entire vacation pruning the forest trail.

I think you’d be fine overall. When are you heading out? Just asking. I have gps coordinates for points of interest.

 

[Laud]

I was hoping to go all the way thru to Reserve and beyond. My overall height definitely has me concerned. To clear the top of the camper, I need about 10'-6". Don't laugh, but I was planning on bringing my pole chain saw. I just don't want to spend my entire vacation pruning the forest trail.

Went through two years ago in our 2500 Ram with hight top topper. I don't remember any low hanging areas. All open roads. The canyon is narrow, but not skinny in any means. But it is a slow drive all the way to Snow Lake. Airing down helped a little.
Now go do it!

 

[4x4TruckCamper]

I think you’d be fine overall. When are you heading out? Just asking. I have gps coordinates for points of interest.

My wife and I have 13 days starting July 3rd. GPS POIs would be much appreciated.

 

[4x4TruckCamper]

Went through two years ago in our 2500 Ram with hight top topper. I don't remember any low hanging areas. All open roads. The canyon is narrow, but not skinny in any means. But it is a slow drive all the way to Snow Lake. Airing down helped a little.
Now go do it!

After reading yours and HoffmanMark's comments, I'm thinking we'll give this a try. I can always turn around if it becomes a headache. Fortunately, the camper is light (1700 wet), and narrow (86" wide). I will try to post a picture of the rig tomorrow.

 

[AZ WANDERING BEAR]

I think you’d be fine overall. When are you heading out? Just asking. I have gps coordinates for points of interest.

I hope to run Chloride as well. Would love to grab your POIs for my planning. (wmay1234@gmail.com) Would be happy to share anything I have from AZ or UT that you'd be interested in.

 

[Sparksalot]

I’m curious about the canyon. Watching this video it looks cool. Yet the NMBDR shows an alternate route to avoid it. Any ideas why?

 

[velo47]

Never been but we're doing it next week as part of the BDR.

 

[Laud]

I’m curious about the canyon. Watching this video it looks cool. Yet the NMBDR shows an alternate route to avoid it. Any ideas why?

Alt route is for snow and run off closure.
To follow up from my post awhile ago....went through again, Aug ‘19 with same RAM with a FWC
mounted in it. Go Do It!!
Highly recommend calling ahead to the Apache Kid RV and grab a cabin and take the museum tour!
What a time capsule. Have done the tour both times.

 

[Lanlubber In Remembrance]

I️ should have also added that this trail takes you through the Gila Wilderness where you cross the continental divide.

Close to home, I can't wait to make the trip and camping.

 

[Lanlubber In Remembrance]

No worries, toyfool. I️ plan to go back next year, so all info about this area is welcomed.


Sent from my iPhone using OB Talk

You better look me up if you come back. You could spend a year on just the Gila trails and still mot see them all. Fabulous National Forest.

 

[Lanlubber In Remembrance]

Hey guys. My son and I did this route two days ago and it was fantastic. This was our third day on the NMBDR (New Mexico Backcountry Discovery Route). We started the day in Truth or Consequences and made it to Chloride Canyon around noon. The lady at the museum in Chloride is a wealth of information on the area. We camped at Snow Lake. The campground is very nice but water is still shut off for winter. Collect your firewood before you get there.

On the way out 180 was not passable unless you want to spend a few days with a chainsaw. We had to turn around only a few miles in. I am sure it will be cleared in the next month or so. We took 28 around to Reserve.

Morning Coffee in my hammock.
View attachment 91754

Don't know why you would have had problems on hwy 180. I've never seen it closed or blocked in the 22 years I've been here. Its a major highway.

 

[Sparksalot]

Never been but we're doing it next week as part of the BDR.

I’m curious to hear what temps you encounter right now. Hopefully up and out o& the heat.

 

[Sparksalot]

You better look me up if you come back. You could spend a year on just the Gila trails and still mot see them all. Fabulous National Forest.

If I get over there I sure will.