Las Cruces Short Hikes

Distance: ~3 miles total (1 mile along the rim + 2 miles out and back)
Duration: ~2 hours walking + drive time (plan for ~6 hours round trip)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (loose sand, <374 feet elevation gain, not technical)

Visit Kilbourne Hole, one of the most spectacular volcanic features in the Southwest. Located 1.5 hours SW of Las Cruces, this maar crater---created by a powerful volcanic explosion thousands of years ago---is now a National Natural Landmark and one of the best places to see mantle xenoliths (pieces of Earth’s mantle brought to the surface). This area has historically been known to rockhounds as an ideal place to find peridot, a gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine. Kilbourne Hole has been used to train NASA astronauts to identify and collect geological samples in a training environment that simulates the Moon.

This hike is in collaboration with the group Celebration of Our Mountains - El Paso. Geologists Eddie Zuniga & Lance Robert will lead this hike. The hike will take participants along the rim and into the crater on an easy-to-moderate trail through sandy desert terrain. Along the way, you’ll learn about the crater’s unique geology, how it formed, and why it continues to fascinate scientists and explorers alike.

Drive: ~1.5 hour from Las Cruces (includes 45 minutes dirt roads). Travel is slow, dusty, and bumpy. Mid-clearance vehicles are recommended; low-clearance cars may struggle, especially after recent rains. 4x4 not required.

Las Cruces attendees will meet promptly at 9:00 a.m. in the parking lot of Gallery 28 in the town of La Union, at the junction of NM 28 and NM 182. The El Paso contingent will meet us there and we will then continue on to the hike location.

Carpooling: Strongly encouraged! Helps reduce dust, shorten the caravan, and accommodate those with smaller vehicles.

What to Bring:

• At least 1 liter of water per person (more if possible)
• Snacks or a packed lunch
• Comfortable hiking boots/walking shoes
• Hat, sunscreen, jacket or layers for changing desert weather
• Spirit of adventure (and maybe a rock hammer if you’re curious!)

Important Notes:

• Arrive at Gallery 28 in La Union (see Google Maps link below) between 8:45–9:00 AM. The El Paso group will meet up with us there around 9:10 AM and will continue westward to the site.
• Cell service is limited at the site. There are no restroom facilities.
• We will caravan together from the Gallery 28 parking lot in La Union. If you have a high-clearance vehicle, please consider carpooling others.

Contacts:
Eddie (El Paso) – (915) 494-2243
Steve (Las Cruces) - (952) 353-0528