Fluorite Ridge: Inner Loop

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Unknown

To access this loop, head out of Deming on the Hatch Highway toward Hatch. This highway is also called Highway 26. Continue on Highway 26 for several miles until you reach Green Leaf Mine Road (A016).

Take A016 toward Cookes Peak. The first few miles of this road go through private ranch land, so drive with care and avoid off road excursions. Continue on A016 for a few more miles until you reach an area that contains a few old concrete buildings and a couple of cement foundations.

Turn left into this area and you'll find ample space for parking. A016 is typically in good condition and can accommodate lower clearance vehicles but during or after heavy rains, areas of A016 can become washed out and flooded. Travel with caution.

Unload your bike and ride the bike up A016 toward Cookes Peak. In less than a mile, you'll see an old, large wooden mine structure on your left and you'll ride over a cattle guard. Just to the left of the cattle guard, you'll see an old mining road head up toward Fluorite Ridge. Continue along this mining road until you reach another old wooden structure and a junction.

You can continue past the junction on Fluorite Ridge: Mine Shaft Segment if you want to see an old, vertical mine shaft. Otherwise, take the road that heads down the mountain. Use caution as much of the descent into the canyon below is littered with slick rocks and a few drop offs and more technical terrain. Near the bottom of the descent, you'll see an old stone house on your right. Continue through the canyon until you turn left onto another road that will take you back to the initial parking area.

Because the roads are not labelled, I will include pictures of notable structures/landmarks along the ride. This area is very isolated, so plan to bring extra water and supplies to cover problems such as flat tires. Also, make sure your area data is up to date so that you can utilize the MTB Project mobile app.