Johnson (Gordy's) Hill offers diverse recreation opportunities including many roads and trails traversing deeply dissected canyons, high sandstone and limestone bluffs, terraces, and escarpments. On the higher ridges, there are scenic views of the Rio Grande Valley to the west. There are a variety of recreational opportunities, most notably off-highway vehicle riding on existing routes, offering challenges for all experience levels. The Quebradas Backcountry Byway divides the area from west to east and provides excellent opportunities for driving and photography.

Please check with the Socorro Field Office before going out to this recreation area to learn about any restrictions or changes in activities.

Take Exit 152 (Escondida Exit) off of I-25, and follow the east frontage road to the north to Escondido Lake. Head east and pass over the Rio Grande. At Pueblitos (T intersection), turn left onto Johnson Hill County Road and head north and then east for about 1 mile, then turn east and follow arroyo road to sand hill staging area.