The New Mexico 4 Wheelers is a family-oriented, trail-riding club of approximately 90 member families. Founded in 1958, NM4W is the largest and oldest four wheel drive organization in the state of New Mexico. The NM4W is incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation in the State of New Mexico. The Bylaws of the organization capture the purpose of the club as:
• Providing social, educati
onal, and recreational activities for its membership.
• Promoting and participating in safe and responsible four wheel drive activities.
• Keeping members of legislatures informed of the needs of vehicular recreationists.
• Informing members of pending legislation and land-use matters.
• Enjoying and protecting all local, state, and national resources.
• Assisting various government agencies in the development of off-highway trails and areas.
• Rendering aid and assistance as needed. NM4W is a founding member of the New Mexico Off Highway Vehicle Alliance and a member of United Four Wheel Drive Associations, as well as the Blue Ribbon Coalition. It is a very diverse club with members ranging in age from infants to people well into enjoying their retirement. Club members enjoy the interaction between multiple generations of their families while engaged in NM4W activities. NM4W welcomes all types and ‘brands’ of 4WD vehicles ranging in size from ‘full-size’ pickup trucks to the most diminutive of the sport utility vehicles (SUV’s). Many members have found Jeeps and other equivalent SUV’s to be most compatible with the terrain and features of the areas we frequent. Four Wheeling
The term ‘four wheeling’ or ‘4WD’ is a general name that can be applied to a multitude of different forms of motorized recreation. Even in limiting the term to vehicles with a width of 50 inches or greater, there are many different forms of the activity. This is an important aspect to consider as the different forms of four wheeling may require different lengths of trail, topography, difficulty level, connections to other routes, or even access to trailhead areas that provide adequate parking. The most common form of four wheeling might best be described as ‘backcountry driving’. The participants are generally out to enjoy the scenery, wildlife, and the general sense of being ‘out in the Forest’. Typically, the level of difficulty of the route is low; the speed of travel is, while relatively slow, faster than other forms of the sport. A day-long loop might cover as much as 60-80 miles, depending on the terrain, and the number of stops. The day might be punctuated by a series of stops for sight-seeing, hiking, wildlife or bird observations, snacks and lunch, or just conversation. Another common form of four wheeling might be accurately described as ‘adventure driving’. The participants have a higher degree of experience, might have a more specifically selected and/or modified vehicle, and are seeking a certain level of challenge in the route that they select. While still enjoying the scenery, wildlife, and camaraderie, the route itself may be a primary factor in trip selection, expectation, and actual enjoyment. A day-long outing might only cover 10-20 miles before returning to ‘improved roads’ and the trip back home. Participants will often debark from their vehicles at more difficult sections of the route to observe their comrade’s performance as obstacles are traversed. The form of four wheeling known as ‘extreme rock crawling’ might be considered to be at the other end of the four wheeling spectrum. With this form of four wheeling, the elevated level of challenge is the primary reason for being there, the rate of travel is extremely slow, and a mile of terrain may take a full day to traverse. Highly modified vehicles piloted by experienced drivers can traverse terrain that would be considered completely impassable by a member of the general public.
