Image by Cinda Cotham
Ruby Mine is a closed mining claim in Dona Ana County, New Mexico.
Ownership and use of this claim is overseen by the Bureau of Land Management's Las Cruces District Office under the serial number NMMC81085. It is an inactive Fluorite mine and lies on the west slope of the Organ Mountains, below the "rabbit ears" peaks. You will hike to the remains of a house called the Topp Hut, and then continue onto the mine site. There are some mine shafts and old mining equipment to view.
This will be an out and back hike of around 4 miles and is rated Moderate. Along with the group and hike leader, you will follow an old jeep trail to the mine and back. It is a gradual uphill climb to the mine.
Bring: 2-3 liters of water, snacks, sturdy hiking shoes/boots, a headlamp/flashlight. Remember this mine is 80-100 years old, so take care with your exploring.
Meet at the Kohls-Starbucks parking area (MAP) at 8 am to carpool/caravan to Baylor Pass Road trail head, We will leave at 8:05. It is a 50 minute drive to the trail head. Or you can meet us at the trail head at 9 am.
Contact Person: Carol Brown 915-630-1424
Driving Directions to the trail head: Take I-10 west to I-25 North to Las Cruces. Take Exit 1 University exit. Turn right onto University Avenue which becomes Dripping Springs Road and travel 7-8 miles to Baylor Canyon Road. Watch for the sign. Turn Left onto Baylor Canyon Road and travel 3 miles. When you reach the second Cattle Guard, this is where the hike start. Parking will have to be along the road.
If your are coming from Las Cruces on I-70, you will turn onto Baylor Canyon Road south and travel almost four mile to the trail head. (You will pass the established parking area--this is Not where we will be.)
Image by Dave