Community Forums

JeffAZ · 05-11-2017, 04:53 PM

This is near Questa, New Mexico. Has anybody here spent any time there? Specifically at the Sheeps Crossing or Chiflo campsites? On Google Earth, it looks like a great place to do some more cliff-camping.

https://www.blm.gov/nlcs_web/sites/n...S/RGDN_NM.html

ME for Maine · 05-11-2017, 07:30 PM

I've been working outside Questa at a mine for the past 2 1/2 years, but I haven't had the opportunity to camp there, so I can't help you with specifics on the campgrounds. I can say that the Rio Grande gorge is spectacular.

JeffAZ · 05-12-2017, 12:16 AM

Is that the mine just west of Questa on Google Earth? Is that for copper?

I'm planning to stay in Questa for a few days next month and take my Rzr on the trails around Red River. Looks like a neat area.

ME for Maine · 05-12-2017, 01:45 AM

The mine is about half way to Red River east of Questa. The mine is closed now, but it operated up until 2014 mining molybdenum. Back in the day there was actually a village called Moly at the mine site. As we were building the new water treatment plant we would occasionally dig up old plumbing lines and tanks abandoned many years ago.

pg87111 · 05-14-2017, 12:18 PM

I have been there, but not at Sheeps crossing. I stay at either Big Arsenic springs or Little Arsenic Springs. I did not think there was camping at Sheeps Crosing.

Scottybdivin · 05-14-2017, 12:55 PM

Jeff, we visited there last summer while in the Taos area. We toured nearly all the campgrounds and only found a few campsites that might accomodate our rig. The campsites are a long way from the river and require some moderately strenuous hikes, if you are ionto that.

Have you looked at the area below the Rio Grande Gorge? It's still part of the RGDN NM. The campgrounds are right on the river. A couple of the CG's have Electric and water but our favorite site was dry. When we go back, we will be stopping here for a few days.

JeffAZ · 05-14-2017, 11:41 PM

Thanks for the replies. I now have reservations for 4 days in Questa. This is a forward-thinking town because they recently approved OHV vehicles to operate on city streets. This will allow me access to the numerous trails of Carson NF and Red River. What is the big deal? My Rzr would certainly be safer in a road accident than a motorcycle.

After staying in Questa, I would like to spend a couple days boondocking in or near the Rio Grande Del Norte NM. That site looks nice, Scotty. Does that area have a name?

Scottybdivin · 05-15-2017, 08:08 AM

Jeff, the area is called Pilar. It is south of Taos off Hwy 68 on 570. That particular campsite is in Arroyo Hondo CG. There are 5 or 6 campgrounds along the river there. No reservations. You may have to scout a spot in the toad. Don't try to come in off Hwy 64 in the MH. It's a nice scenic drive in the toad.

JeffAZ · 05-19-2017, 11:31 PM

Thanks for that info, Scotty. After a few days staying in Questa exploring Carson NF in the Rzr, I will plan to go to the RGDN NM mid week and check out the El Aguaje and La Junta campsites up on the mesa edge overlooking the river 500 ft below. I love my cliff camping, so I have to check that out.

If that doesn't work, then my plan B is the Pillar campsites on the river.

Just got my rig back today for some repairs at a local shop, packing this weekend and hitting the road Monday evening. Hopefully my repairs are sound and everything works well!

marknpeg · 05-21-2017, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottybdivin

Jeff, the area is called Pilar. It is south of Taos off Hwy 68 on 570. That particular campsite is in Arroyo Hondo CG. There are 5 or 6 campgrounds along the river there. No reservations. You may have to scout a spot in the toad. Don't try to come in off Hwy 64 in the MH. It's a nice scenic drive in the toad.

This is an area we plan on exploring when we get out west, can't wait to get there. Just curious, why not 64? I just took a Google fly through and it looks like a very nice road, and even the couple of sharp turns look much bigger than some of the stuff I've been through back east.

Scottybdivin · 05-21-2017, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marknpeg

This is an area we plan on exploring when we get out west, can't wait to get there. Just curious, why not 64? I just took a Google fly through and it looks like a very nice road, and even the couple of sharp turns look much bigger than some of the stuff I've been through back east.

Sorry, 64 itself is fine.Turning off 64 west of Taos to go to Pilar is not. It is for the toad only. As it decends into the gorge it is dirt road with washboard and switchbacks.

marknpeg · 05-22-2017, 06:58 PM

Oh the county road. Yeah that looks dicey. I can't wait to get to the area, will be late fall probably or early spring next year. Man we have a lot of exploring to do!

ME for Maine · 05-23-2017, 11:25 AM

Turns out I'll be staying in Questa May 30 through June 16 at the Questa Lodge and RV Park. If you see the Winnebago View stop in and have a cold beverage.