Lucas Canyon /Cloudcroft, NM
Details
Lucas Canyon
Type: out and back
Mileage: 10.4 miles ⛔️
Estimated time to complete: 4-5 hours⚠️
Elevation: 1,574 gain/loss)⚠️
Difficultly: moderate/ strenuous
Lucas Canyon (T251) is a beautiful, peaceful hike through the high-elevation forests of the Sacramento Mountains. Expect dense pine, spruce and fir forests, grassy meadows, canyon scenery, and the possibility of seeing wildlife along the way. The cool mountain air and secluded surroundings make it feel like you’re far away from the desert and everyday life.
It’s a great hike if you want to slow down, enjoy nature, and experience the quieter side of Cloudcroft rather than just visit the town. The elevation makes the scenery unique, but also means you should bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a light layer.
We will take Karr Canyon Road (Forest Road 63) and connect to sunspot highway. Then we take Benson Ridge Road immediately and till we hit the fork in the road. You take a left and the trailhead will be 1/2 mile down. A high clearance vehicle or 4x4 is recommended for driving on Karr Canyon Road. We will connect to the Sunspot Highway.
We will meet at the Lowes on Transmountain at 6:15 a.m and leave sharply at 6:30 am. If you’re coming from Cruces please meet at the shell gas station that is located on the corner of US Highway 82 and La Luz Road.
If you need directions, feel free to DM me . Dogs are welcome as long as they can do the mileage. You are responsible for the safety and well being of your dog. Please be sure that your dog is friendly with other dogs.
Participants should be in good physical condition to attend this outing. Folks with an underlying medical condition should avoid moderate and strenuous outings. Participants who RSVP yes also agree to the Release of Liability statement: https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-dWiUFgVP/about/
For safety reasons we hike together and support each-other as a group/team, with the leader in control. We stop, rest, eat, etc. together. No one will be allowed to hike ahead at any time. If you are unwilling to comply with this please do not sign up.
⚠️I reserve the right to remove any one from this hike. ⚠️
Thank You
What to bring
Day-hike gear, water/sports drinks, hiking poles, snacks. Bring the 10 essentials:
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/day-hiking-checklist.html