It is advisable to purchase a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) map before venturing off the main highway into the Mount Taylor region. Highway 93 is the closest main highway to the mountain. Going South from Wells, you will turn East on to Mizpah road, then South on Cotton Canyon road which turns into Butte Valley. This road runs North to South past the East side of the mountain. You can also get to Butte Valley road through Cherry Creek which takes you in from the Southeast side of the mountain range. You may want to park your main vehicle once you leave 93 and ride into the mountain area on your ATV.
Once off the main highway the roads are unpaved and often not maintained. Many mapped roads are actually little more than trails.They can be sandy, rocky and very rutted. Some are not passable in anything but a 4WD with clearance or an ATV. You may ride your ATV on any of the existing roads or paths unless a no trespassing or road closure sign is posted. It is not legal to ride on terrain with no existing trails because of ecological damage caused. Be sure to take your map with you. You will find few marked roads or trails.
The rule for this rugged desert region is that if a road is wet, it isn't a road. Check the weather before you go. If it starts to rain the roads become impassible quickly. In the summer the heat can become extreme by noon, often reaching temperatures of over 100 degrees. You will want to take more water than you expect to need. You will also be a very long way from any gas stations so make sure you take extra gas on the trip. The road and trail systems become highly intertwined so be careful to watch your map and landmarks to avoid getting lost.
The Mount Taylor area is desert ranging from barren alkaline meadows to Big Mountain sage and juniper biomes on the mountainsides. Streams and springs are sparsely scattered. Taylor Canyon road, a scenic trail running along the North side of Taylor, connectis the flat plain regions to mountain trail systems. Limestone caves dot the mountains. The wildlife is diverse. Mountain goats, cougars, bobcats, rattlesnakes, scorpions, rodents and coyotes all inhabit the area. Do not pass up a chance to get to the top of the mountain range while you are there even if you have to finish your ascent on foot.. The panoramic view from the top is spectacular.
