Southwest U.S. Photo Gallery

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The best-kept secret in New Mexico is Chokecherry Canyon, just outside of Farmington. Chokecherry is small—not more than 15 square miles—but is packed with boulders, stepped rocks, sandstone ledges, and slickrock that provide hours of fun for intrepid four-wheel drivers. The main feature of the canyon is the Waterfall Trail, the ultimate in 4WD craziness: One or two miles of ledges, camber scrambles, steep descents, and rocks all provide a supreme test for drivers and their rigs. Other challenging trails—ranging from 100 yards to a mile long—include Ball Hanger Trail, Stairsteps, Groundspring, Playground, Harley's Wash, and Beaver Falls. You can bypass obstacles on most trails or piece together your own set. Chokecherry Canyon is a fun outing for a summer afternoon, finished best beside a campfire while you watch the sun go down over this high desert land of mesas, mountains and valleys.