Quebradas Back Country Byway is approximately 75 miles south of Albuquerque in central New Mexico. Northern access is off I-25 in Escondida. The byway travels southeast to the junction of CR A129, a few miles north of US 380. The 24-mile route follows Quebradas Road, which is a dirt road requiring a two-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicle. A four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended during wet weather. Quebradas is open all year but heavy rain can make portions impassable.

Quebradas Back Country Byway traverses a ruggedly scenic desert landscape east of the Rio Grande Valley. It crosses the Rio Grande River just east of Escondida. The river valley and surrounding area provides habitat for a variety of wildlife including mule deer, gray fox, coyote, bobcat, opossum, and jack rabbit. Bird watchers should be on the lookout for red-tailed hawk, horned lark, snow goose, and sandhill crane. Occasionally, the endangered whooping crane may also be seen along the river.

The byway continues east of Escondida for several miles before turning south where it crosses several arroyos that drain into the Rio Grande River. These crossings can contain deep pockets of sand and should not be crossed during or immediately following heavy rain. Loma de las Canas comes into view as you continue driving southward. Nearly vertical, multicolored cliffs and narrow box canyons dominate the view through here. This area provides excellent opportunities for exploring the back country on foot and is popular with hikers and backpackers.

To the south of the byway lies 57,000-acre Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Nearly 300 species of birds either inhabit this area or migrate through on a seasonal basis. The whooping crane has also made its presence known in this area.

Although there are no developed public campgrounds along the byway, the Bureau of Land Management permits camping nearly anywhere on BLM-managed land. To the west of the byway is Cibola National Forest, which has developed camping facilities.

Information: BLM-Las Cruces Field Office, 1800 Marquess St, Las Cruces NM 88005 / 505-525-4300. Bosque del Apache NWR, PO Box 1246, Socorro NM 87801 / 505-835-1828