New Mexico Backcountry Discovery Route (NMBDR) 2016

Gunnermoose · Jun 14, 2016

I plan to run the NMBDR from 3 - 10 September 2016. So far there is only one other vehicle coming. If there are any intrepid explorers out there that need a long run and would like to join, let me know. I have previously completed the AZBDR and UTBDR with @1Louder and we had fun and interesting to say the least adventures. Due to timing of events this year the usual gang cannot all get together, so I offer it up.

Lifestyle Overland · Jun 15, 2016

Thanks for extending the offer! I'm very tempted but we are already scheduled to run the Shadow of the Rockies Trail during that time frame. Maybe our paths will cross before we get out of NM. Hope you have a blast!

John~SWNM · Mar 18, 2018

My wife & I are running the NMBDR this upcoming Memorial Day week. Any tips or trail reports from your trip?

Thanks.

ricker · Sep 13, 2018

Hi John,

Did you drive the NMBDR this year? I did it over the Memorial Day week. Here is the report I posted on Expedition Portal: https://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/nmbdr-by-land-rover.195353/

Safe travels,

David

Matt L. · Feb 20, 2019

ricker said:
Hi John,

Did you drive the NMBDR this year? I did it over the Memorial Day week. Here is the report I posted on Expedition Portal: https://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/nmbdr-by-land-rover.195353/

Safe travels,

David

I enjoyed reading your NMBDR trip report. I'll be doing 4 days of this trip in March. Thanks for taking the time to put in the details of your trip.

Chris Finnigan · Apr 20, 2019

ricker said:
Hi John,

Did you drive the NMBDR this year? I did it over the Memorial Day week. Here is the report I posted on Expedition Portal: NMBDR by Land Rover

Safe travels,

David

David,

Thank you for sharing the link - great write up and pics!
Safe Travels,
Chris

Mrgassy · Apr 9, 2021

Hi all, my wife and I are exploring this route for July. David, your beautiful write up is really inspiring us.
Does anyone have experience or advice for driving this route in July? I did read that July/August can be rough due to rain and heat and would really value any advice or shared experiences. Thanks in advance! -Eric

Offroadnutz · Apr 9, 2021

Here is a link to the thread on my trip report from last year. I went in October so I can’t tell you much about July. I will say this, when it’s wet or has been raining, large portions of the NMBDR will be impassable.

2 weeks on the NMBDR, ERT, and some wandering.

I was having difficulty deciding which of the 2 to do, the New Mexico Backcountry Discovery Route, Enchanted Rockies trail, or the Shadow of the Rockies trail. I decided I certainly wanted to do the NMBDR heading north (after the urging of @Downs ) and I would decide the way south sometime...

www.overlandbound.com

Mrgassy · Apr 9, 2021

Awesome story on your trip and many thanks for your advice.
-Eric

velo47 · Apr 12, 2021

July/August will be hot hot hot for the southern part of your trip, days 1-2. Especially day 2 between Ruidoso and T or C. But, it's a dry heat...
Rain can be an issue in that time frame, more in the northern section. It is the afternoon monsoon season.
When we did the route last year in June we had beautiful weather and no rain. From looking at the tracks, though, the sections from around Reserve to Cuba look like they could be very difficult in the mud. But the mud dries up pretty quick around here.
The route was not difficult in good weather it was great fun.