Embarking on an adventure doesn’t need to wear you out. New Mexico is home to plenty of tiny adventures disguised as hiking trails that will feel like they have transported you to another world. One such spot is over at the Soledad Canyon Day Use Area near Las Cruces.
Short, sweet, and filled with beautiful views, the Soledad Canyon Day Use Area is located in southern New Mexico.
Will Barns/All Trails It sits right between its namesake, Soledad Canyon, and Bar Canyon in the foothills of the Organ Mountains about 20 minutes east of Las Cruces.
Tucked away inside is a 3.4-mile trail, Soledad Canyon Loop.
Les McKee/All Trails This trail is easy to navigate and with a slight elevation gain during the first two miles, it feels like an effortless trek through the desert terrain. Plus, while hiking here, you’ll be treated to a few surprising finds.
The trailhead is located just beyond the parking lot and meanders through a small portion of the canyon.
Les McKee/All Trails At the first quarter-mile, you’ll encounter a junction in the path. Stay to the right and continue on for another 1.25 miles.
Aside from the magnificent mountain view, one of the first treats on the trail are the ruins of a rock structure.
Greg Skaff/All Trails The crumbling remains are all that still stand of a tiny but mighty homestead dating to the early 20th century. The homestead has been abandoned for about a century makes for an interesting detour off the trail.
Continue on for another quarter-mile to a dead-end in the trail and you’ll find one of our favorite treats here: a waterfall streaming across the massive boulders and down into a tiny pond.
Crystal Hensley/All Trails
The waterfall varies between a trickle and a surging flow. It all depends on the recent rainfall.
Dennis Talley/All Trails
Are you ready to enjoy this delightful trail?
Stephen Decatur/All Trails
Soledad Canyon Loop Trail is located at the Soledad Canyon Day Use Area, approximately 10 miles east of Las Cruces.
The area is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can find additional information about the area and the trail by visiting the Bureau of Land Management website or All Trails.
Will Barns/All Trails
It sits right between its namesake, Soledad Canyon, and Bar Canyon in the foothills of the Organ Mountains about 20 minutes east of Las Cruces.
Les McKee/All Trails
This trail is easy to navigate and with a slight elevation gain during the first two miles, it feels like an effortless trek through the desert terrain. Plus, while hiking here, you’ll be treated to a few surprising finds.
At the first quarter-mile, you’ll encounter a junction in the path. Stay to the right and continue on for another 1.25 miles.
Greg Skaff/All Trails
The crumbling remains are all that still stand of a tiny but mighty homestead dating to the early 20th century. The homestead has been abandoned for about a century makes for an interesting detour off the trail.
Crystal Hensley/All Trails
Dennis Talley/All Trails
Stephen Decatur/All Trails
Website: Bureau of Land Management Trail information: All Trails Address: 13300 Soledad Canyon Rd, Las Cruces, NM 88011 Phone: 575-525-4300
Looking for another beautiful trail that’s easy to access? Located further south is Sitting Bull Falls, about one hour from Carlsbad. You can read more about the trail in You Can Practically Drive Right Up To The Beautiful Sitting Bull Falls In New Mexico.
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Address: 13300 Soledad Canyon Rd, Las Cruces, NM 88011, USA
