Take a moderate 4-5 hours hike of 5-6 miles. This is a good beginner or intermediate skill hike. Located at the north end of the Franklin Mountains, the trailhead is on NM404, Anthony Gap Road.There is a $5 per person State Park fee. Buy a park pass ahead of time.

Keep an eye out for jackrabbits, lizards, and small birds. Roadrunners will dart across the trail at times, and hawks circle overhead, looking for prey.

Bring three liters of water, snacks, a sack lunch to eat on the trail and wear study hiking shoes/boots. This hike is pet friendly. For more information, contact Carol Brown, 915-630-1424.

Driving Directions: From I-10 west take exit 162 Anthony/Chaparral NM404. Drive east 4.2 miles. At the exact spot where the passing lane ends, turn right onto a dirt road, open and close a green gate, drive 2/10 mile to a flat parking area on the left. From the east or northeast: Take MLK Jr Blvd north for 8 miles; at the roundabout, turn left onto Anthony Gap Road NM404; drive 4 miles and the gate will be on your left. There is a lot of traffic on this road, so use care and caution when slowing and turning. (MAP)