Enjoy the outdoors on a Picacho Adventure. Start by hiking to the eastside of Picacho Mountain then ascend to the highest point where you will sign in on the register at the peak. After a 10-15 minute break for rest, snack & hydration the field trip continues down to the westside of the peak and cross country to one of the two Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) dams. After exploring the dam and a short break you will head north and west until arriving at a spring in Spring Canyon. From there the trek will hike west until you reach a trail that will take you back to the initial trailhead.

This hike could last for 4 to 5 hours and cover a distance of maybe 5 to 6 miles. This hike will be at a moderate pace with plenty of time for photos, examination of flora and fauna and any rest breaks needed. This little trek is not be suitable for dogs.

From El Paso: Las Cruces exit 139 Motel Blvd to left on Picacho Ave drive to Picacho Hills Road drive to Anthem Road, right on Anthem to end, right turn and see gold Tundra. Carpool from there for those without 4WD or high clearance. (MAP)

The Apache Dam

"Have you heard of Apache Dam? The Dam is located right here in the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument in the Robledo Mountains near the Picacho Peak Recreation Area. The dam is an important part of NM history. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built it nearly a century ago!

“QUICK HISTORY: The CCC emerged during the Great Depression in March 31, 1933 to develop and conserve the nation’s natural resources and to create jobs. Men between the ages of 18-25 were employed with a monthly paycheck of $30.

“Camp BR-39 was one of four CCC camps established for the Rio Grande Project. This camp’s men were involved in the construction of Apache Dam which they completed in 1936. Apache Dam is a retention dam built to catch and slow down water from seasonal monsoonal rains that fall in the Robledo Mountains. Prior to the construction of Apache Dam and other related water control features around Las Cruces by the CCC (such as Box Canyon Dam and the check dams off of Baylor Canyon Road), the Rio Grande Valley and the city of Las Cruces were prone to seasonal flooding that caused significant damage to local farmland and property. The dam is an excellent example of the superb construction techniques and distinct architectural style of the CCC.” from August 27, 2022 Facebook post of Bureau of Land Management, Las Cruces District