Arizona & New Mexico Backcountry Night Skies Tour
Shared Trip
Cross-Country
Expertguided offroad tours through Arizona and New Mexico backcountryComplete camping setup with meals and exceptional stargazing opportunitiesLevel 14 trails suitable for all skill levels and basic vehicles
Picture yourself rolling through untamed desert terrain where cactus arms stretch toward endless sky, and the only sounds are your tires crunching over ancient rock and gravel. This isn't your typical weekend trail ride—it's a deep dive into the Southwest's most remote backcountry, where Arizona and New Mexico's wild landscapes come alive under some of the darkest, star-packed skies you'll ever witness. With Buffalo Overland handling all the logistics from camp setup to hot meals, you get to focus purely on the ride and soaking in those legendary desert sunsets that melt into spectacular stargazing sessions.
This cross-country adventure takes you far beyond cell towers and traffic lights, deep into terrain that most folks never see. We're talking wide-open desert basins, rocky washes, and rolling hills that stretch to mountain ranges on the horizon. Your days start with strong coffee and a hearty breakfast before hitting trails that range from smooth desert floor cruising to technical rock gardens that'll test your line choice and throttle control. The beauty of this setup is that we've got routes mapped for every skill level—whether you're comfortable with basic dirt roads or ready to tackle some gnarly Level 4 technical sections with steep climbs and loose rock. Every evening, camp gets set up in primo spots where light pollution is basically zero, meaning you'll see the Milky Way like you've never seen it before. All your meals are covered, so after a long day of navigating arroyos and mesa country, you can kick back with a cold drink while dinner gets sorted.
The terrain out here varies dramatically depending on which drainage or ridge system we're exploring. Level 1 and 2 trails are your classic desert two-tracks—packed dirt with some sand washes and gentle climbs that let you cover serious ground while taking in the scenery. These routes are perfect for getting comfortable with desert driving techniques like reading sand consistency and picking lines through washboard sections. Level 3 trails step things up with steeper grades, loose rock sections, and tighter turning radius requirements as you weave between boulders and navigate shelf roads cut into hillsides. The Level 4 technical stuff is where things get interesting—think steep rocky climbs where momentum and tire placement matter, off-camber sections that'll have you thinking about rollover angles, and descents where engine braking and controlled slides become your best friends. Our certified routes mean every trail has been pre-run and GPS mapped, so there's no guesswork about where you're headed or whether that wash crossing is safe. We'll teach you how to read the terrain ahead, spot the difference between firm-packed desert floor and soft sand traps, and handle the unique challenges of high-altitude desert driving where thin air affects both you and your vehicle.
The Sonoran and Chihuahuan desert ecosystems you'll be riding through are home to some seriously cool wildlife that most people only see in nature documentaries. Javelinas are probably the most entertaining encounters—these pig-like critters travel in family groups and have terrible eyesight, so they'll often stand their ground snorting and bristling until they figure out you're not a threat. Early morning and late afternoon are prime times to spot them rooting around prickly pear cactus for fallen fruit. Desert bighorn sheep are the holy grail sighting out here, especially in the rocky mountain terrain of southern Arizona. These incredible animals can navigate cliff faces that would challenge a rock climber, and rams can weigh up to 200 pounds while still being able to leap between narrow ledges. Spring is your best bet for sheep sightings when they come down from high country to water sources. Roadrunners are everywhere once you know what to look for—these ground-running birds can hit 20 mph and are constantly hunting lizards and small snakes. They're curious about vehicles and will often pace alongside your rig for short stretches. Watch for coyotes during dawn and dusk hours, especially around water sources. These desert coyotes are smaller and more golden-colored than their northern cousins, and they're incredibly adapted to surviving in harsh desert conditions. Kit foxes and ringtails are the nocturnal stars of the show—around camp after dark, you might catch glimpses of these small predators hunting rodents and insects attracted to your lights.
This isn't just another weekend ride—it's your chance to experience the Southwest's backcountry the way it was meant to be explored, with expert guidance, solid logistics, and access to terrain that most people never see. The combination of challenging trails, world-class stargazing, and the kind of wide-open country that makes you understand why folks fell in love with the desert makes this a top-rated experience for serious off-road enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to push your technical driving skills or just want to disconnect from the daily grind in some of the most beautiful remote country in America, this trip delivers. Spots fill up fast since we keep groups small for the best experience, so don't sleep on booking your dates. The deposit secures your spot, and once you're locked in, all that's left is showing up ready to eat some dust and see what the desert has to show you.
Buffalo, NY