Directions: From Las Cruces, take hwy 70 west. After you
leave city limits, you cross the Rio Grande. 1.2 miles from there is your
first left on Picacho Hills Drive. 1.0 miles later the road has a Y, stay
to left - you are now on Barcelona Ridge. After 1.0 miles on Barcelona,
take right on Coronado Ridge. 1.0 miles on Coronado, right on Loop Road.
The pavement ends after 100 yards, now a dirt/gravel road. The trail head
is for Picacho Peak Recreation area is 1.3 miles in on this dirt road. I
have taken my car in on this, just a few rough parts.
Trail Information: There are trails everywhere, some marked at
the trail head (like Canyon Loop 6 miles, Picacho Peak 1.5, or Picacho Peak Loop
Trail 4 miles. These from the trail head are intended for foot traffic only. My
favorite in this area is parking after 1.0 miles on this dirt road, and begin
running on the ATV/4x4 roads towards Box Canyon. I do an in and out over
rolling hills, flat, and some steep climbs where I have to walk. You can
go on a different route each time. I mountain bike all over this area
also, which makes good for cross training for my running. I have not found
any good maps of this area yet. Endless variety.
Miscellaneous Information:: At the trailhead, there are shade
covers, picnic tables, ample parking. There are no amenities, no water,
etc.
Wendi Hammond