What we’re about
A group for casual/entry-level hikers interested in easy hikes in the Las Cruces area. We have walkers of varying fitness levels and try to keep the pace slow—taking frequent breaks for rest and photography. We will meet on weekend mornings, depending on group interest.
Upcoming events
1
Box Canyon Dam Hike (via Presa Trail)
Las Cruces, NM, USDistance: 2 miles total (1 mile out and then back)
Duration: 2 hours walking, plus drive time
Difficulty: Easy (some loose sand, no elevation gain)
This surprising dam in the middle of the desert was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1936 and 1938, to prevent damage to irrigable lands from heavy monsoon rains. Built out of concrete and rubble stone, it is 49 feet high and 220 feet long. There are stairs leading up to the top and you walk the length of it. It is located on the west side of Las Cruces, just northwest of the Picacho Peak Recreation Area.
This area is seldom visited except by off-road vehicle users, but is accessible to hikers via Box Canyon Road, a long, dirt road that runs along the eastern edge of the Las Cruces Airport.
What to Bring:
- Water
- Comfortable hiking boots/walking shoes
- Hat, sunscreen, jacket or layers for changing desert weather
Directions:
- Google Map
- From Las Cruces, follow US-70 W to Frontage Rd. Follow Frontage Road west to Box Canyon Drive, turn right. The first stretch of this minimum maintenance dirt road is fine for passenger cars; follow it to the end of the airport's chain link fence. Stop here and we will then carpool in trucks/SUVs for a few hundred yards further to the Box Canyon Trailhead parking area. If you have a AWD/4WD vehicle, please comment on this page, so we can plan carpooling. The full road is currently too washed out to drive all the way in, but it's a very easy hike on a sandy trail.
- See the photos section of this event for the route, and photos of the dam.
Caution/Disclaimer: Hikers are responsible for their own personal safety/health and of their guests when participating in Las Cruces Short Hikes activities. The organizers of Las Cruces Short Hikes and Celebration of Our Mountains - El Paso are not liable for any illness, injury, accident, mechanical break-down, or unforeseen acts that may occur while you participate going to, during, or after any activity. If you have a medical condition that may be aggravated by any kind of physical activity you must make your own personal decision about attending and not hold any of the volunteer organizers liable. All organizers are volunteers and are not compensated during any activity.
2 attendees
Past events
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