The Great Outdoors
The Great Outdoors
By: Paul Dahlgren
Las Cruces Convention & Visitors Bureau
With the abundance of hiking and biking trails in and around Las Cruces, summer is the perfect time to dust off those hiking boots, grab a few bottles of water and go out and experience the natural beauty of the Las Cruces area.
Hotspots such as Dripping Springs, Aguirre Springs, the Dona Ana Mountains, and Picacho Peak, are just some of the many hiking, biking and equestrian trails in the Las Cruces area, that are tailored to people of all skill levels.
“The sights, the sounds, the smells, are just totally different from here in the valley,” said Eric Ernst, park ranger for the bureau of land management.
Ernst also explained that, although spring and fall are the most popular seasons for tourists, during the summer, “There are less people, so it’s quieter if you’re looking for solitude.”
With over 10 different recreation areas, and a vast number of trails in and around Las Cruces, there are plenty of opportunities to get out and experience the natural beauty of Las Cruces with a relaxing trip that has breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
Along with destinations such as Dripping Springs and Aguirre Springs, there are a number of trails that make a for perfect day trip from Las Cruces such as the Gila Lower Box Canyon, and the Three Rivers Petroglyph site.
“Las Cruces is a good base for all those areas,” said Ernst, while explaining how many of the recreation areas around Las Cruces are, “great for a day trip,” and with little or no cost, it won’t break your budget.
Aside from the numerous hiking opportunities, Las Cruces also has a number of mountain biking, equestrian and off-road trails, for a more adventurous day out in the desert.
For those looking to do some off-road adventures with their ATVs or off-road vehicles, there’s Aden Hills, which offers a large well maintained area for ATV use, as well as, The Robledo Mountains, which offers a variety of four-wheel drive trails and several trails for rock crawling.
The number and quality of the trails is increasing, as trails are continually expanded, revamped and maintained, with additions such as new parking areas for several of the trails.
With 350 days of sunshine each year, your chances of catching inclement weather on your hike are slim-to-none, and virtually guarantee clear and stunning views of the beautiful desert landscapes, stunning plant life and intriguing wildlife.
Ernst also recommended hikers take lots of water, especially if you have a pet with you, a hat and plenty of sunscreen.
For more information and maps on trails, in and around Las Cruces, visit the recreation section of: www.lascrucescvb.org
