Trail Shoes Las Cruces NM

Activities: Hiking, Mountain Biking, Snowshoeing

Info:
State: New Mexico
Location: Carson National Forest
Length: One-Way: 3.3 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 8900 feet
Maximum Elevation: 1180 feet
Elevation Change: 2900 feet
Best Season: Summer, Fall
Difficulty: More Difficult
Usage: Moderate

Description: Mixed conifers characterize the 3.3 mile Gavilan Trail, located on the south facing slope of the Rio Hondo Canyon. This trail is located mostly along the west Gavilan Creek, but as the name Gavilan “Hawk” implies, ascends quickly, gaining 2,000 feet in elevation. The first section of this trail is difficult, but becomes relatively easier as the trail opens up into meadows towards the ridge. Avalanche hazard is a special consideration during the winter and early spring. There is water available along the entire length of the Gavilan Trail, but should be properly treated before consumption. For short trips, take water from home or other domestic source. Day Hiking, backpacking, pack and saddle as well as back country camping is permitted along the entire length of the trail. Motorized vehicle use is not allowed. If you pack it in, please pack it out. The Gavilan Trail provides access to Lobo Peak, Flag Mountain, Gold Hill and to the proposed Columbine/Hondo Wilderness Study Area. When winter comes, the Gavilan Trail becomes a popular snowshoeing location.

Activities: Hiking, Mountain Biking, Snowshoeing

Info:
State: New Mexico
Location: Carson National Forest
Length: Round Trip: 5 miles
Trail type: Loop
Minimum Elevation: 7200 feet
Elevation Change: 1125 feet
Best Season: Spring to Fall
Difficulty: More Difficult
Usage: Heavy

Description: The Devisadero Loop Trail heads through two very different forest types. On the south facing slope the trail travels through pinyons, juniper and some gambel oak. As the trail drops over to the north side of the mountain the environment is much darker and cooler with tall Douglas firs and white firs replacing the smaller drought resistant pinyon/juniper forest. Approximately 1/4 mile from the trailhead you will encounter a fork in the trail. The right fork goes directly up to the Devisadero Peak (el. 8,304 feet). The left fork has switchbacks which will take you up to the ridgeline. Once on the ridgeline you can follow the trail eastward to Devisadero Peak. Devisadero means a “lookout” point or place. The peak had once been used by the Taos Pueblo Indians to stand guard against the Apaches who would come down Taos Canyon in raid the pueblo. In summer, there is quite an array of beautiful wildflowers. There are several vista overlook points along this trail. Looking westward are beautiful views of the town of Taos, the Rio Grande Gorge and San Antonio Mountain. Looking northward you will see the Taos Pueblo and the Wheeler Peak Wilderness area.

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: New Mexico
Location: Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Length: One-Way: 2.2 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Elevation Change: 670 feet
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: Easy

Description: The Rattlesnake Canyon Trail is marked with rock cairns and crosses the canyon wash. Be sure to look carefully for the cairns on the other side. The trail begins with a steep 670-foot descent into Rattlesnake Canyon. As the trail winds through the canyon, you will pass seeps high on the canyon walls. The Rattlesnake Canyon Trail ends at the park boundary. Beyond the fence is private land. Please do not trespass. Retrace your route back to the Desert Loop Drive.

Activities: Hiking, Snowshoeing

Info:
State: New Mexico
Location: Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Length: One-Way: 12 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Elevation Change: 2050 feet
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: Moderate

Description: The Guadalupe Ridge Trail follows an old road that eventually climbs steeply up the ridge to an elevation of 6500 feet. The hike offers spectacular views into Slaughter Canyon and Rattlesnake Canyon. The trail continues to the west boundary of the park, then crosses into the Lincoln National Forest.

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: New Mexico
Location:Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Length: One-Way: 5.3 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Elevation Change: 1850 feet
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: Moderate

Description: Slaughter Canyon is very large with several branches including West Slaughter, Middle Slaughter and North Slaughter. The trail goes up Middle Slaughter which forks into North Slaughter and finally ends on the Guadalupe Ridge trail. The Slaughter Canyon Trail is primarily marked with rock cairns. Beginning on the left side of the wash the cairns will lead you along an old roadbed. The trail returns to the wash after a short distance. While in Middle Slaughter Canyon the route continues to crisscross through the wash. Pay close attention to the cairns when crossing the canyon. Once the trail turns into North Slaughter Canyon it is well defined. There are several alternate routes also marked with rock cairns. These routes fade out and do not lead to the Guadalupe Ridge Trail.