The Caja del Rio Area
The Caja del Rio Endurance Ride takes place in the Caja del Rio Area of the Santa Fe National Forest, with all trails, vet checks, and campsites on USDA Forest Service land. The Caja del Rio is a designated USFS Wild Horse Territory and is also managed as a community grazing allotment for cattle. This ride exists because of a longstanding cooperation between the USFS, the Caja del Rio La Majada Grazing Association, and the AERC. This is in large part due to the efforts of the founding ride manager, Deirdre Monroe. We ask that riders respect all land users and leave gates as they are found (open or closed) so that cattle will have access to grazing and water.
Trails
Trails vary from easy to moderate, consisting primarily of two-track jeep roads with some technical, rocky stretches and moderate elevation gain. Water troughs will be available at the out check, in camp, and at regular intervals along the trail. Hoof protection is required for the 25/30- and 50-mile distances and is optional (but recommended) for the intro distances.
Ride Camp
Ride camp is conveniently located at the Headquarters Well Trailhead in the Santa Fe National Forest, just west of historic Santa Fe, New Mexico, with easy access to shopping, restaurants, gas, and more. There will be plenty of room for large rigs to maneuver. Horse water will be provided in troughs throughout camp, but please bring your own drinking water. Well-behaved dogs are welcome but must be kept leashed or otherwise contained.
Directions
From I-25, take Exit 276 toward NM-599. Use the left two lanes to get onto NM-599 N, crossing under I-25. In 5.6 miles, take Exit 6 for South Meadows Rd. At the traffic circle, take the fifth exit to cross over NM-599 (County Rd 62). At the next traffic circle, take the second exit onto NM-599 Frontage Rd. Head south for 1.4 miles, then turn right onto Caja del Rio Rd. In 2.9 miles, turn LEFT onto County Rd 62. There will be AERC signs and flags to mark this turn. In 1.3 miles, take a slight left across a cattle guard on Forest Road 24, following AERC signs and flags into camp.
Caja del Rio Endurance Ride 