Mill Ridge Canyon, NM

Not too often you come across old roadbeds that tilt such that you climb nearly 1,000' over the course of a single mile. Given that that there are numerous areas along this route that are sort of flat, it leaves the steep areas really steep. The road was likely just an installation route bulldozed the one time to deliver and install the huge overhead power lines that snake down the drainage... and even then they could not connect the middle section. The road drops in from the top... and winds up from the bottom. The middle section is bedrock falls. Effectively, there has never been any work done to maintain the road, in fact, it appears just the opposite: they bulldozed berms to block off access. The bermed areas are extra dangerous. What is left now are Game trails winding around and through the mess.


The upper section is particularly hazardous... hyper steep and loose, slippery rock and gravel. Walk carefully. Hiking poles are not a bad idea.The lower section on the old roadbed is moderately easy.

Remaining in the drainage bottom will include lots of minor bouldering with some occasional small falls to scramble up. You have to do the canyon bottom to move up and through the middle section. It might be the most fun to remain in the bottom for the entire hike?

This hike would make for a nice training hike except for the fact that Alamogordo has 50 better canyon training options... why drive the ten miles out of town? The practical use for this hike: combined with Mill Ridge and Dry Canyon you score an interesting loop, ideally done in colder weather when the sun exposed aspect will be appreciated.

You probably will have to do it at least one time... you can see the single track winding up the narrow gorge as you drive up Hiway 82... too tempting not to go explore.

2012-09-20 imike