Take a moderate round-trip hike of about 3.5-miles up into Soledad Canyon in the Organ Mountains of Las Cruces, to view the native grasslands of the Chihuahuan desert.

The Soledad Canyon Day Use Area is at the juncture of two canyons -- Bar Canyon and Soledad Canyon -- and is in the western foothills of the Organ mountains. The area includes the three-mile loop Bar Canyon Trail, which offers an easy and scenic hike very close to Las Cruces. The Bar Canyon Trail includes scenic vistas of the central Organ Mountains and the southern Mesilla Valley.

This is a moderately difficult 3 to 4-miles hike through a narrowing canyon to an old rock house and a natural waterfall. Bring plenty of water and a light snack. Wear sturdy footwear, suncscreen and a hat and appropriate clothing depending on the weather. Bring a mask. Although you may not need to wear it on the hike, you may want it when during any group gatherings. Please keep social distancing.

The Bar Canyon Day Use Area is located on the west side of the Organ Mountains, 10 miles east of Las Cruces. From Exit 1 on Interstate 25, take University Avenue/Dripping Springs Road east for about 4.5 miles, then turn south on the Soledad Canyon Road. That road will turn east in a mile; follow it all the way to the end. (MAP) Please be at the trailhead by 9 AM. If you are driving up with Carol Brown from El Paso, please meet at Redd Rd. and I-10 (MAP) at 7:45 and leave promptly at 8:00 AM.

Carol Brown, 915-630-1424.

For more information about Soleada Day Use Area:

BLM website description: https://www.blm.gov/visit/soledad-canyon-day-use-area