Valles Canyon Petroglyph Hike
Details
Distance: ~6 to 6.8 miles total, out and back
Duration: 3 hours walking + drive time (plan for 5 hours round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate (Longer hike with rocky footing. <400 feet elevation gain. No climbing/bouldering necessary.)
Drive: ~1 hour NW of Las Cruces on Corralitos Road (rough, paved road).
This remote box canyon offers solitude, 100 ft high canyon walls, and views of grinding mortars and petroglyphs from the Jornada Mogollon culture. The hike also passes by some 19th century ranch wall ruins. Migratory birds and other wildlife are frequently seen around the stock ponds in this valley. Depending on the group interest, we may walk a half mile up the Broad Canyon confluence, to see more petroglyphs.
Please meet promptly at 9:00 a.m. in the corral area near Valles Tank (see link below). The paved road is navigable via passenger cars but has lots of low washes and cattle grates, so drive attentively. Carpooling is strongly encouraged. There is no cell phone coverage in this area.
What to Bring:
- ~ 1 liter of water per person.
- Snacks to refuel at half-way point of hike.
- Hiking boots with good ankle support; the path follows a rustic jeep trail and a canyon floor with lots of "ankle-roller" rocks.
Driving Directions to Valles Tank:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/hd5tgLc3fYNYE3zn9
Link to trail map on AllTrails:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-mexico/valles-canyon-trail
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 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.