Mammoth Rub Hike (Chihuahan Desert Nature Park)

Distance: an approximate 2 mile loop
Duration: 1.5 hours walking, plus drive time
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate (part of the trail is a little rocky, and there is some off-trail hiking down a gradual slope across cactus and rock-filled arroyos.)

The Doña Ana Mountains are among a handful of Southwest locales featuring "megafauna rubs"--huge boulders with their edges rubbed smooth more than 12,000 years ago by Columbian Mammoths and other now-extinct Pleistocene animals. Similar rubs occur on the Northern Plains ("buffalo rubs") and in Africa ("elephant rubs").

On this easy hike in Chihuahan Desert Nature Park, we'll take a brief, off-trail diversion to look at some of these prehistoric markings. You can also view the recycled glass mosaic near the parking area, the 150-seat amphitheater on the hillside, and the various plant ID signs that the Asombro Institute has placed within this educational park.

What to Bring:

• Water
• Hiking boots with good ankle support
• Hat, sunscreen, jacket or layers for changing desert weather

Directions:

• AllTrails Map of the main hike
• Google Map Directions to the park—be sure to look for the park turn-off sign, Google Maps will take you past it!
• From I-70, take North Jornada Road all the way to the park. This is a long, and mostly dirt road. Approx 4.9 miles north of Peachtree Hills Road, look for signs on the left for the pull-off to the Chihuahan Desert Nature Park.

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.