The small, hump-backed Tortugas Mountain rises above the East Mesa to an elevation of 4,928 feet above sea level. Often called "A" Mountain for the New Mexico State University (NMSU) Aggies gigantic "A" etched on the west side of the mountain, a much preferred older name is Tortugas, or "Tortoise" Mountain, because of its resemblance to a turtle (or several turtles ) making their way across the desert - when viewed from the south. The bike trails are used regularly by nearby residents for short, but quality biking opportunities. The lower trails are a great place for beginners to the sport. As skills are developed, there are more technical routes available as well. Maps are posted at both parking lots. Tortugas Mountain has long been used for mining, ranching, recreation, tribal ceremonies and scientific studies. The structures visible on top are communication sites and astronomical observatories managed by NMSU. We ask that visitors please keep a reasonable distance from these sites. The eastern side of the Mountain (Monte Vista Parking Area) is managed by the BLM and the western side (Sunset Parking Area) is managed by NMSU. Both entities recognize the many impacts being caused by increasing public use and have joined together to conserve and provide better public use facilities.
The description, directions and fees are the Bureau of Land Management’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
US Forest Service (USFS)
National Park Service (NPS)
US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
Department Of Defense (DOD)
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Other Federal
State
Local
Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
Alaska Native Allotment
Road
Primitive Road
Road
Primitive Road
Trail
Roads open to all Vehicles, Yearlong
Roads open to all Vehicles, Seasonal
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Yearlong
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Seasonal
Special Designation, Yearlong
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails open to all vehicles, Yearlong
Trails open to all vehicles, Seasonal
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Yearlong
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Seasonal
Trails open to motorcycles, Yearlong
Trails open to motorcycles, Seasonal
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" in Width, Yearlong
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" or Less in Width, Seasonal
Wilderness Area
Wilderness Study Area