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Sep 19 2025
avatar

 Guides 187
 Routes 994
 Photos 12,145
 Triplogs 869

72 male
 Joined Jun 27 2015
 Tucson, Arizona
Twin Sisters Creek Loop, NM 
Twin Sisters Creek Loop, NM
 
Hiking avatar Sep 19 2025
markthurman53 • Triplogs 869
Hiking10.20 Miles 953 AEG
Hiking10.20 Miles   5 Hrs   35 Mns   2.01 mph
953 ft AEG      30 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
mamakatt22
On our last day in Silver City we went back to the Fort Bayard area. This time we would be hiking to the Twin Sisters Creek. Started out at the Big Tree Trail Head but took the Forest Service Nursery Trail #757, then the Wood Haul Wagon Trail #55 to the Sawmill Wagon Trail #243 to Twin Sisters Creek. On the return Trip we took the west end of the Big Tree Trail #755 to the Cornell Ranch Trail #758 back to the Forest Service Nursery Trail to our start point. Kind of a round about loop but with the other 4 trips that we hiked in this area we pretty much did all the trails in Fort Bayard (there are a few more small sections still not done and some areas that need further exploring).

The three main creeks in the Fort Bayard area from west to east are the Twin Sisters Creek, Cameron Creek and Stevens Creek. All had been flowing the night before and Cameron Creek was still running. The area is really green from all the rain. The Cornell Ranch trail, 1.1 mile trail was a real surprise, pleasant walk along Cameron Creek with giant trees and green meadows.

Saw lots of bear sign and finally near Twin Sisters Creek in a light drizzle we saw a bear. No chance to get a picture, we both noticed each other about the same time and it took off running. One deer along Cornell Creek and a Golden Eagle. Actually saw two one in the morning and one in the afternoon on our return trip, possibly the same one since it was in the same vicinity. Some debate as to weather this was a red tailed hawk or a Golden Eagle, they look similar. From the size of it it I believe Eagle. Either way it was large.

Finished this hike and we headed south toward Demming and spent the night in a cabin at Faywood Hot Springs. Pleasant hot spring in the middle of the desert. They have private pools, clothing optional public pools and for the shy regular pools. The soak was most refreshing. Worth the stay if you are in the area.
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Sep 18 2025
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 Guides 187
 Routes 994
 Photos 12,145
 Triplogs 869

72 male
 Joined Jun 27 2015
 Tucson, Arizona
Twin Sisters Trail, NM 
Twin Sisters Trail, NM
 
Hiking avatar Sep 18 2025
markthurman53 • Triplogs 869
Hiking9.40 Miles 1,864 AEG
Hiking9.40 Miles   6 Hrs   20 Mns   1.62 mph
1,864 ft AEG      31 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Twin Sisters via Continental Divide Trail
Partners partners
mamakatt22
On our second day in Silver City we hiked the Twin Sisters Trail, part of the Continental Divide Trail. While hiking in the Fort Bayard area I was kind of fascinated by the two peaks called the Twin Sisters so it's time to hike up to them. The trail Head is along the road to the Gila Cliff Dwellings (hwy15) just a mile or so past the little town of Pinos Altos. This is also part of the continental Divide Trail.

The first 2 miles is fairly steep but the trail is in good condition, follows old mining roads in sections and trail in other sections. Once on the ridge the steepness eases up until the last mile where it gets steep again. Just below the saddle between the Twin Sisters you leave the Continental Divide Trail and head up the hill to the saddle. There is a faint route that takes you up to the east side of the saddle.

Thunder and lightning just as we started heading down but didn't rain until just before we got back to our start point. Great views to the North over the Gila Mountains. Felt good to do a hike with some AEG, hadn't done that since last April when we hiked up Guadalupe Peak.
_____________________
 
Sep 17 2025
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 Guides 187
 Routes 994
 Photos 12,145
 Triplogs 869

72 male
 Joined Jun 27 2015
 Tucson, Arizona
Fort Bayard Rec Trail, NM 
Fort Bayard Rec Trail, NM
 
Hiking avatar Sep 17 2025
markthurman53 • Triplogs 869
Hiking6.20 Miles 8,178 AEG
Hiking6.20 Miles   3 Hrs   54 Mns   1.72 mph
8,178 ft AEG      18 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Fort Bayard Champion Tree
Partners partners
mamakatt22
On our return trip to Lubbock Ginny and I stopped off at Silver City for a couple days of hiking. Too dry in Tucson for hiking but not so in the Gila Mountains. Really green from the almost daily rains. After arriving in Silver City we headed to the Fort Bayard area and took the Big Tree Trail again, this time though we are going to go further up creek (Cameron Creek) from the big tree. No trail along this route but easy to follow game trails. We would then do a little bush whacking and head over to the wood Haul Trail #55 then return on the Stevens Ranch Trail #756.

Started out around 2:30 with thunder clouds overhead (they were heading to the northeast so luckily they weren't an issue.) We took the Big Tree Trail #755 to the Big Tree like on our previous trip but this time we headed further up Cameron Creek. Followed game trails along the west side of the creek and the going was pretty easy. Dropped down into the creek and the canyon becomes kind of dark and eerie, lots of enormous trees and signs of past ranching/mining. The source of the water in the pipe that we crossed along the Big Tree Trail I suspect is from Comanche spring in this canyon. Didn't make it to the spring due to the fact that it would require us wading through water in the creek. Quite a network of pipes in this canyon. Spooked out some bats from one of the rock cliffs and saw one of the largest bear tracks I have ever seen (baring the grizzlies in Glacier Park) Had to be from earlier today because it rained the night before. We followed the pipeline out which required some Bush whacking to get to the Wood Haul Wagon Trail #55. Spotted a large dead bird that turned out to be a Golden Eagle. Feathers and skeletal remains, The talons on this guy were 2 to 3 inches long. Very interesting Canyon and may require some more exploring on a future trip.

Cameron Creek was running in places. All other creek crossings had been running from the rains the night before but not running when we crossed.

Once on the Wood Haul Wagon Trail #55 the going was pretty easy. This is a two track trail as the name would imply. At the junction with the Stevens Ranch Trail #756 the Wood Haul Trail heads on up toward Black Peak and the Continental Divide Trail. We took the Stevens Ranch Trail back to our start point.
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Sep 06 2025
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 Guides 187
 Routes 994
 Photos 12,145
 Triplogs 869

72 male
 Joined Jun 27 2015
 Tucson, Arizona
Cienega Creek, AZ 
Cienega Creek, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Sep 06 2025
markthurman53 • Triplogs 869
Hiking1.80 Miles 117 AEG
Hiking1.80 Miles   1 Hour   2 Mns   1.74 mph
117 ft AEG
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
mamakatt22
More of a stroll along Cienega Creek to see if it was running from the recent rain. Yes there was a bit of water running in sections along the bridge section. Evidence that it was running harder the night before. Always beautiful here, storms to the south in the Cienega upper basin so will probably be running again tonight.

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Davidson Canyon Light flow Light flow
Light flow in sections
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Sep 04 2025
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 Guides 187
 Routes 994
 Photos 12,145
 Triplogs 869

72 male
 Joined Jun 27 2015
 Tucson, Arizona
Camino Loma Alta, AZ 
Camino Loma Alta, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Sep 04 2025
markthurman53 • Triplogs 869
Hiking3.50 Miles 312 AEG
Hiking3.50 Miles   1 Hour   33 Mns   2.26 mph
312 ft AEG
 
Linked   linked  
Hope Camp Trail
Partners partners
mamakatt22
Another short walk in Saguaro National Park, again at the Camino Loma Alta Trail Head. It has been quite warm and dry so there weren't much options close by for a very late afternoon hike. This time we hiked to the ridge between Deer Camp and Hope Camp before turning around. Got back to the car just as it was getting dark. Don't want to be on the trail if we can't see the snakes.

This trail is excellent just before sunset, views of the sunset are usually spectacular. There are options of the Ridgeview or Ruiz- Coyote Creek Trails depending on time constraints. No Rattlesnakes this time (Tiger or Diamondback) but we did bump into a tortoise heading west along the trail as we were heading east. Felt bad for it because it is so dry here. Wanted to take it home and give it food and water with my tortoises at home but that's a big NO NO, (don't even pick them up or they will expel a bunch of fluid which would be a bad thing for it in this dry weather). It will do just fine, it's been around probably 10 years and it has seen dry seasons before. As an after note it rained .5 inches at my house last night around midnight and maybe more along Tanque Verde Ride, I thought about the tortoise, probably doing a jig in delight for the water.
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Desert Tortoise
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Aug 26 2025
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 Guides 187
 Routes 994
 Photos 12,145
 Triplogs 869

72 male
 Joined Jun 27 2015
 Tucson, Arizona
Camino Loma Alta, AZ 
Camino Loma Alta, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 26 2025
markthurman53 • Triplogs 869
Hiking3.00 Miles 234 AEG
Hiking3.00 Miles   1 Hour   30 Mns   2.00 mph
234 ft AEG
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
mamakatt22
Short hike close to home. Evening hike to Dear Camp and the Ruiz Trail from the Camino Loma Alta Trail Head. Since it is still a bit warm we started just before sun set. Clouds made for a beautiful sunset. Saw Two Tiger Rattle snakes on this hike. Makes three of these snakes I have seen all of them from this area of Saguaro National Park. The creeks were all dry but evidence that they have run from previous rain storms. Only saw two people on the trail, one at the trail head as we were finishing the hike, the other near deer camp, Nothing on but a a tiny pouch holding his stuff. Things you see that you wish you hadn't. Other than that the scenery was great.
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Tiger Rattlesnake
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Aug 14 2025
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 Guides 187
 Routes 994
 Photos 12,145
 Triplogs 869

72 male
 Joined Jun 27 2015
 Tucson, Arizona
Dragon Fly Loop, NM 
Dragon Fly Loop, NM
 
Hiking avatar Aug 14 2025
markthurman53 • Triplogs 869
Hiking7.90 Miles 607 AEG
Hiking7.90 Miles   4 Hrs   9 Mns   2.04 mph
607 ft AEG      17 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Dragonfly Loop Trail #720
Partners partners
mamakatt22
On the third day in Silver City we headed back to Fort Bayard and hiked the Dragonfly Trail. This is a 3.7 mile hike to some petro glyphs of a dragonfly. We took a couple other trails in the area for a total of 8 miles. The trail follows along the Twin Sisters creek and if continuing north will end up in the Big Tree area. The trail continues on to Twin Sisters Peak and the Continental Divide Trail.

We started the hike in early morning when the temps were a bit cooler but by noon it was pretty warm. The recent rains had everything pretty green. Will have to come back here in the fall or spring to hike some of these trails.
_____________________
 
Aug 14 2025
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 Guides 187
 Routes 994
 Photos 12,145
 Triplogs 869

72 male
 Joined Jun 27 2015
 Tucson, Arizona
City of Rocks, NM 
City of Rocks, NM
 
Hiking avatar Aug 14 2025
markthurman53 • Triplogs 869
Hiking1.30 Miles 164 AEG
Hiking1.30 Miles      53 Mns   1.50 mph
164 ft AEG      1 Min Break
 
1st trip
Linked   linked  
City of Rocks State Park
Partners partners
mamakatt22
After the Dragonfly Trail we headed to City of Rocks to the southeast of Silver City. Before heading to City of Rocks Ginny and I stopped off at Faywood Hot springs to soak in the hot springs. We rented a private pool for an hour and relaxed. Will have to come back here and spend the night in one of the cabins.

At the City of Rocks we took a short 1.3 mile hike through the rock formations that make up the City of Rocks. These are volcanic Tuff outcrops, nothing real impressive but had to stop in and see what it was about. We then headed back to Silver City for the night. We headed to Hatch the next day to pick up 60 pounds of Hatch Chili, this should last us a year. There is a $5 charge for New Mexico Residents per car and $10 for out of staters.
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Aug 13 2025
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 Guides 187
 Routes 994
 Photos 12,145
 Triplogs 869

72 male
 Joined Jun 27 2015
 Tucson, Arizona
Gila Cliff Dwellings lower West Fork, NM 
Gila Cliff Dwellings lower West Fork, NM
 
Hiking avatar Aug 13 2025
markthurman53 • Triplogs 869
Hiking5.50 Miles 609 AEG
Hiking5.50 Miles   3 Hrs   37 Mns   1.68 mph
609 ft AEG      21 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Gila Cliff Dwellings
West Fork Trail #151
Partners partners
mamakatt22
On the Second day of our Silver City Gila Mountains trip we headed up to the Gila Cliff Dwellings and the West Fork of the Gila River. 44 mile drive to the Cliff dwellings. Luckily no traffic on the road. Took the 1 mile cliff dwelling hike first (about 1.2 miles) then took the lower Gila river West fork trail.

The 1 mile cliff dwelling trail was interesting and I think a must see if in the area. Only one other family was there so not crowded at all. Couple other cars in the parking area and they were hiking on other trails that start at the Cliff dwelling. After the Cliff Dwelling trail we headed up the West Fork of the Gila River. This trail goes on for about 20 miles but we will only have time for 2 miles of it. Light flow of water in the creek and the trail crosses many times; you’re going to get your feet wet. I think many of these trails would require multiple day trips especially when the drive up is 2 hours. Only saw one other group while hiking the trail and they spent a couple of days camping further up stream.
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Aug 12 2025
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 Guides 187
 Routes 994
 Photos 12,145
 Triplogs 869

72 male
 Joined Jun 27 2015
 Tucson, Arizona
Big Tree Trail 755, NM 
Big Tree Trail 755, NM
 
Hiking avatar Aug 12 2025
markthurman53 • Triplogs 869
Hiking4.00 Miles 381 AEG
Hiking4.00 Miles   1 Hour   50 Mns   2.20 mph
381 ft AEG      1 Min Break
 
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Fort Bayard Champion Tree
Partners partners
mamakatt22
Ginny and I headed to Silver City in New Mexico and the Gila Mountains. I have never been in this section of the Gila Mountains so it was a bit of reconnoitering. It has been a couple months since the Guadalupe Peak hike where I tore my Rotator Cuff and I’m still healing from that and the fact that the weather is a bit warm and dry, I don’t anticipate we will be doing anything too strenuous.
After checking into the hotel and waiting out an afternoon thunderstorm we headed to the Fort Bayard area to hike on the Big Tree Trail. This is a short 4 mile round trip (actually 3.7 if you don’t take the wrong trail to start out with). The destination is a very large Juniper, second largest in the US (First being in California). Hiking this just at sunset and after a summer thunderstorm made for a very pleasant and scenic hike. Crosses a couple of creeks all part the Cameron creek basin. Beautiful walk through a Juniper, grassland and Cottonwood area. A very impressive big Juniper tree.
Easy trail to follow and signage is good. Many other trails crisscross the Fort Bayard area that encompasses the lower Cameron and Twin Creeks drainage. Great area to hike in late day when you only have a short time. The trails from this area can also be the start point for longer hikes up to Twin Sisters Peak and Signal Peak
_____________________
 
Jul 11 2025
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 Guides 187
 Routes 994
 Photos 12,145
 Triplogs 869

72 male
 Joined Jun 27 2015
 Tucson, Arizona
Catwalk Trail, NM 
Catwalk Trail, NM
 
Hiking avatar Jul 11 2025
markthurman53 • Triplogs 869
Hiking3.90 Miles 750 AEG
Hiking3.90 Miles   2 Hrs   35 Mns   1.53 mph
750 ft AEG      2 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Whitewater Trail #207
Catwalk National Recreation Trail
Partners partners
mamakatt22
On our return to Arizona we stopped in Glenwood New Mexico for two days. Had plans to hike both days but since it was dry and hot we only hiked the whitewater trail. Hiked in about 2 miles before heading back. The creek was dry at the trail head but after about a quarter mile where the canyon narrows there was water flow, couple gallons a minute. After 3 miles the trail spends more time out of the canyon and was getting a little warm, decided to head back.

Couple of work crews out doing trail maintenance. Will have to come back again and hike further up the Whitewater Canyon Trail. Nice area for hiking in the spring or fall. Summer would be nice once the monsoon rains occur but would have to watch for flashfloods.
_____________________
 
Apr 23 2025
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 Guides 187
 Routes 994
 Photos 12,145
 Triplogs 869

72 male
 Joined Jun 27 2015
 Tucson, Arizona
Pratt Trail, TX 
Pratt Trail, TX
 
Hiking avatar Apr 23 2025
markthurman53 • Triplogs 869
Hiking5.60 Miles 417 AEG
Hiking5.60 Miles   3 Hrs   27 Mns   1.95 mph
417 ft AEG      35 Mns Break20 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Linked   linked  
McKittrick Canyon - Guadalupe Mountains NP
Partners partners
mamakatt22
On our last day of hiking in the Guadalupe Mountains we hike to Pratt Cabin which is in McKittrick Canyon. This canyon is just north of Pine Spring Canyon where the Guadalupe Peak trail is. For the more energetic hiker and a bit cooler weather there are multiple trails that connect the two canyons. We will only have time to hike to Pratt Cabin on this trip. Beautiful canyon and I already have it on my to do list to come back and hike some of these trails. The creek had water flow in a couple areas but for the most part it was dry. Well worth the short hike if you are ever in the area.
Wallace Pratt bought the property in 1930 and built the cabin in 1931. Beautiful stone work, even the roof was stone. Pratt donated the land to the Guadalupe National Park in 1961 and died in Tucson Arizona in 1981 at 96. Very interesting man, more info on Wikipedia.

dry Mckittrick Canyon Dry Dry
Few area with light flow
_____________________
 
Apr 22 2025
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 Guides 187
 Routes 994
 Photos 12,145
 Triplogs 869

72 male
 Joined Jun 27 2015
 Tucson, Arizona
Guadalupe Peak, TX 
Guadalupe Peak, TX
 
Hiking avatar Apr 22 2025
markthurman53 • Triplogs 869
Hiking9.00 Miles 3,166 AEG
Hiking9.00 Miles   7 Hrs   58 Mns   1.26 mph
3,166 ft AEG      48 Mns Break20 LBS Pack
 
Linked   linked  
Guadalupe Peak Trail - Texas Highpoint
Partners partners
mamakatt22
On our second day we headed to Guadalupe National Park again to hike the Guadalupe Peak Trail, the Texas High Point. We had already been to the Texas low Point which is Houston. Started this hike at 0830 or 0930 depending what time zone (Supposed to be Central Time but I believe they go by Mountain Time. On the drive in my car GPS and radio kept flipping back and forth.) This hike starts out at a pretty steady climb and never gives up for the 4.2 miles to the peak. At almost 3000 feet elevation gain I likened it to Mount Wrightson in Tucson but this trail is relentless on the step ups so it is much more challenging. I did this hike a few years back on my own and I guess I had forgotten what a challenge it was or I just got older and more of a weeny (you may see me in the Sponge Bob weeny bar). Great hike with great views especially south over El Capitan. Quite a few hikers on the trail and even a couple of trail runners. Spent about an hour at the peak before heading back down.

One mishap on this trip, just as I reached the peak and heading around the monument my boot hung up on a rock and I took a tumble. I spared hitting my head but my shoulder took the brunt of it, Luckily Ginny is a nurse and checked me over (take two aspirin and call me in the morning). My range of motion was extremely limited and it really only bothered me if I moved my arm. I was able to hike back down with my arm in a sling and limited mobility. I even managed to hike the next day. It wasn’t until I got back to Lubbock and got an X-ray that I discovered I broke some bone in my shoulder. On the bright side I can still carry my pack but on the downside I am in Lubbock now with nowhere to hike.
_____________________
 
Apr 21 2025
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 Guides 187
 Routes 994
 Photos 12,145
 Triplogs 869

72 male
 Joined Jun 27 2015
 Tucson, Arizona
Carlsbad Cavern, NM 
Carlsbad Cavern, NM
 
Hiking avatar Apr 21 2025
markthurman53 • Triplogs 869
Hiking2.40 Miles
Hiking2.40 Miles   3 Hrs      0.80 mph
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Carlsbad Caverns
Partners partners
mamakatt22
Ginny and I took a 4 day trip from the flatlands of Lubbock to Carlsbad and Guadalupe National Park. The first day we went to Carlsbad Cavern. The caverns are a self-guided tour of 2.4 miles. We had beautiful weather the whole tour, not a cloud in the sky, fairly constant temperature but a little dark. We contemplated hiking out the way we came in so we would get a little AEG but since we were hiking to Guadalupe Peak the next day we took the elevator out. Don’t suppose we could count the 750 foot elevator ride as AEG.

The town of Carlsbad has grown quite a bit since I was first here in 1982, Lots of new hotels on the north side of town.
_____________________
 
Apr 21 2025
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 Guides 187
 Routes 994
 Photos 12,145
 Triplogs 869

72 male
 Joined Jun 27 2015
 Tucson, Arizona
Devils Hall, TX 
Devils Hall, TX
 
Hiking avatar Apr 21 2025
markthurman53 • Triplogs 869
Hiking4.10 Miles 705 AEG
Hiking4.10 Miles   2 Hrs   57 Mns   1.47 mph
705 ft AEG      10 Mns Break
 
Linked   linked  
Devil's Hall
Partners partners
mamakatt22
After Carlsbad Caverns we headed down to Guadalupe National Park to do a short 4.1 mile round trip hike to Devil’s Hall. Not a real exciting hike along Pine Spring Canyon, the first mile is along a trail then the last mile is along the creek with lots of rock scrambling. Not really a trail the last mile, more of a route, just stay in the creek bed and choose your path. At about 2 miles in is a stair stepped cliff and a couple hundred yards past that is devils hall. There was a pool of water above the stair steps and that was the only water I saw along the creek. Lots of bees and one single bat at the pool. Headed back to where we started and then back to Carlsbad for the night.
_____________________
 
Mar 05 2025
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 Guides 187
 Routes 994
 Photos 12,145
 Triplogs 869

72 male
 Joined Jun 27 2015
 Tucson, Arizona
North and South Prong Loop, TX 
North and South Prong Loop, TX
 
Hiking avatar Mar 05 2025
markthurman53 • Triplogs 869
Hiking9.02 Miles 668 AEG
Hiking9.02 Miles   5 Hrs   14 Mns   2.17 mph
668 ft AEG   1 Hour   5 Mns Break
 
Linked   linked  
Wild Horse Trail
Lower North Prong Trail
North Prong Spur Trail
Lower South Prong Trail
Partners partners
mamakatt22
Desperate for a hike Ginny and I drove to Caprock Canyon State Park. We hiked the Lower North and South Prong Trails of the Little Red River. Arrived at 0800 just in time to see the buffalo herd crossing the road heading to where ever they go during the day. The park was pretty empty with the exception of a few campers. No one on the trails. Fairly easy hiking in this park not a lot of elevation change and the trails are in good condition. The South Prong had a little bit of water in sections from the recent rains but no flow. The weather was in the mid 60's, clear with an occasional light breeze.

The geology of this canyon is fascinating, mainly red Beds with cross cutting Gypsum capped with a couple layers of Calcium carbonate. The Calcium carbonate when polished by the water shows layers of multiple colors. Didn't see any buffalo along the trails but did see a lot of tracks.
_____________________
 
Feb 19 2025
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 Guides 187
 Routes 994
 Photos 12,145
 Triplogs 869

72 male
 Joined Jun 27 2015
 Tucson, Arizona
White Sands National Monument, NM 
White Sands National Monument, NM
 
Hiking avatar Feb 19 2025
markthurman53 • Triplogs 869
Hiking1.10 Miles 30 AEG
Hiking1.10 Miles
30 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Alkali Flats Trail
Partners partners
mamakatt22
On our third day we headed to Mayhill in the Lincoln Mountains but on the way we stopped at White Sands National Monument to spend a couple hours. Hiked in a short way to try our ability at sledding down the dunes. We took the Alkali Flats Loop Trail that we did a year ago but this time only about a half mile in. The winds from yesterday did a reset on the dunes so they were fresh. A lot easier to walk on the sand dunes here than the ones in Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado, the sand here is more packed. Had a great time acting like kids sledding down the dunes. A portion of the park along mile 3.5 and 5 along the park Road is closed due to an F16 crash that occurred last April. Signs along this portion indicate that there is no stopping. Plenty of other areas are still open. Even though the temperatures were in the low 60’s it was quite warm.
_____________________
 
Feb 19 2025
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 Guides 187
 Routes 994
 Photos 12,145
 Triplogs 869

72 male
 Joined Jun 27 2015
 Tucson, Arizona
Lucas Canyon Trail Lower, NM 
Lucas Canyon Trail Lower, NM
 
Hiking avatar Feb 19 2025
markthurman53 • Triplogs 869
Hiking3.10 Miles 700 AEG
Hiking3.10 Miles   1 Hour   30 Mns   2.07 mph
700 ft AEG20 LBS Pack
 
Linked   linked  
Lucas Canyon Trail #251
Partners partners
mamakatt22
Had a little bit of time after arriving in Cloudcroft so we hiked the lower portion of the Lucas Canyon Trail along the Russia Canyon Road. We had hiked the upper portion of this trail a couple years back and figured we would hike in 2 miles to complete the lower portion. We made 1.5 miles in before turning around due to lack of time. A bit of snow on the north facing slopes and a light trickle in the Creek. This trail follows an old logging road and for a short 1.5 miles it had a hefty 700 feet AEG. Really beautiful area and the drive along Russia Canyon is worth it if not just for the scenery. Even though the temps were in the high 30’s low 40’s with the sun and no breeze it was comfortable.

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Lucas Canyon Light flow Light flow
_____________________
 
Feb 18 2025
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 Guides 187
 Routes 994
 Photos 12,145
 Triplogs 869

72 male
 Joined Jun 27 2015
 Tucson, Arizona
Baylor Pass Trail, NM 
Baylor Pass Trail, NM
 
Hiking avatar Feb 18 2025
markthurman53 • Triplogs 869
Hiking11.40 Miles 2,900 AEG
Hiking11.40 Miles   6 Hrs   46 Mns   1.79 mph
2,900 ft AEG      23 Mns Break20 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Baylor Pass
Partners partners
mamakatt22
On our second day in Las Cruces we hiked the Baylor Pass Trail. Baylor Pass is on the far north side of the Organ Mountains and takes you from the West Side of the Organ Mountains overlooking Las Cruces and the Rio Grande Valley to the East side overlooking White Sands Missile Range with the Lincoln Mountains in the distance. This is about a 12 mile round trip hike with about 2900 feet of AEG.
Good trail the whole way with a steady climb up to the pass. Only saw a couple of other hikers the whole day. There is no water along this trail but on the East side trailhead is a campground and picnic area. From the pass there are great views to the West and East. We didn’t spend much time on the pass as it was extremely windy. On the way in the winds were strong enough to push you around at the pass but on the return trip the winds were so strong I locked arms with Ginny and crouched down low to get over the pass. The worst part were the gusts that occurred every so often that would literally throw you back. Was concerned Ginny would blow away and have to climb all the way back up to the pass from the valley below. I have never been in winds so strong. Once over the pass the winds were still an issue but much more manageable. Good hike with views, good way to spend a day if you are ever in the Las Cruces area.
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Feb 17 2025
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 Joined Jun 27 2015
 Tucson, Arizona
Bar Canyon Trail, NM 
Bar Canyon Trail, NM
 
Hiking avatar Feb 17 2025
markthurman53 • Triplogs 869
Hiking5.30 Miles 1,102 AEG
Hiking5.30 Miles   3 Hrs   18 Mns   1.64 mph
1,102 ft AEG      4 Mns Break20 LBS Pack
 
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mamakatt22
On our trip back to Lubbock we stayed in Las Cruces to hike a couple of trails in the Organ Mountains. The first hike was the Bar Canyon Loop Trail on the west side of the Organ Mountains. We hiked it in the CCW direction and took some side treks up toward the Fort Bliss Boundary in Soledad Canyon and Chimney Rock overlook. Also took a side trip up Bar Canyon to a spring.

The Bar Canyon Trail is a combination of old roads and actual trails. There are a lot of side trails and what I call alternate routes along this loop allowing for a little exploration. We did one side trip up to Soledad Pass to the boundary of Fort Bliss and the overlook of Chimney Rock. The other side trip was up Bar Canyon to a spring and what looks like a dam. A little water flow here. The trail/route ends here. We returned to the Bar Canyon Loop and our start point.

This is a short 3 mile loop and with the side trips made for a 5 mile hike, good way to spend the afternoon after the drive from Tucson. This is a fairly heavily used trail especially up to the spring at the end of Bar Canyon. Good view to the west over Las Cruces.

dry Bar Canyon Dry Dry
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average hiking speed 1.76 mph
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