Doña Ana Arch Loop Hike

NOTE CHANGE OF DATE!

Distance: an approximate 3.5 mile loop
Elevation Gain: 883 feet
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: High-Moderate to Strenuous (due to elevation gain and slippery rocks on trail)

We have rescheduled this hike for February 7. The hike mostly follows UTV trails and is challenging due to the elevation changes and slippery gravel/rocks on the hills. If you have balance issues, joint issues, or cardio-pulmonary issues, this is not a good hike for you. But if you are even in moderate shape, have no underlying health issues, and TAKE YOUR TIME, this is a "doable" and beautiful hike. It is well worth doing once, to see these natural arches of the Dona Anas.

You do NOT need a 4WD vehicle; the trailhead can be reached even with passenger cars. Be apprised that this area sees a lot of off-road vehicle use and there is an active gun range near the entrance.

This hike brings you up close to some beautiful natural arches and a shelter cave. The rock formations here are very striking and there are superb photo opportunities all along the summit.

Please hike as a group; we will take many breaks on this hike to let the slowest hikers set the pace. It is recommended that participants use the AllTrails map for this hike, as it is easy to take a wrong turn due to all the intersecting UTV trails along the way.

What to Bring:

• At least one liter of water per person (2 would be better)
• Snacks for energy. This is a 3-hour hike and you will probably want some carbs at the summit.
• Hiking boots with good ankle support.
• Trekking poles. You will really need these due to the loose gravel on the hills.
• A fully-charged cell phone. Recommend installing the AllTrails app and downloading the map for this hike (see link below).
• Hat, sunscreen, jacket or layers for changing desert weather

Directions:

• AllTrails Map of the main hike
• Google Map Directions to the area. We will meet in the dirt lot just off Del Rey Blvd/Goat Hill Road, then drive as a group to the trailhead, which is a few hundred yards further north down a primitive gravel road.
• From Las Cruces, take I-25 north to the Dona Anna exit (exit 9). Turn right at the exit. Continue up the hill to Del Rey boulevard, then turn left. Follow Del Rey past the Waste Management/Community Collection center. At the point where Del Rey banks sharply to the left and turns into Goat Hill Road, turn off into the gravel lot on the right. Look for a silver Toyota Highlander. We will meet here before driving further to the trailhead.

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.