This was a destination day for us from Silver City. 2 hours plus one way…read more Well worth it. Built with stone and mud and still standing. They lived in the natural caverns that they walled in. And then divided again into rooms or areas connected by openings. One picture is a remaining crib to retain cultivated corn, now all husks. But corn then was small, about the size of a first finger. The area parallels a flowing creek that supported a clan group of about 60. They walled it in over 5 years and remained about 30 years until the 24 year drought and left as a group. This is only for public guests that can walk and climb. A free day. Uneven terrain and at least 3 ladders to peer into a room or living Area Excellent 1/2 day.

If you're on a motorcycle it's worth heading up here for the roads alone! Lots of endless curves…read morebut keep your speed reasonable though and watch out for cows, deer, and javelinas along the way because there are plenty of them around, even on the road around many corners waiting to take you out. There is also no cell service on the way up here. The scenery is amazing though! Once you get here, there is a small museum attached to the visitor center, and clean restrooms available. The girl working at the visitor center was very friendly and knowledgeable about the ruins, as well as being able to direct you to the best paths around.

I discovered Elephant Butte because of driving back to Tucson, AZ from Albuquerque, NM…read more We decided to stop by even with the pups and was pleasantly surprised. This lake is actually quite large with lots of camping areas on and off the beach. You just pay the small fee and can drive anywhere your car allows. They have port a potties located on the beach and more areas off the beach with restrooms. They also have a large boat section. "Elephant Butte Lake can accommodate watercraft of many styles and sizes: kayaks, jet skis, pontoons, sailboats, ski boats, cruisers, and houseboats." - http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/spd/elephantbuttelakestatepark.html If you're traveling or want to travel I would recommend this place because it does look very nice for a weekend get a way or even just a day pass.

This is the camp attached to the dam area. plenty of…read moreparking and clean restrooms and portables I didn't see any water fountains. i attached a pic of water level 5 years ago.

If I had to describe this place in one word, I would say 'sanctuary.'…read more The Catwalk Recreation Area is a compact gem of stupendous beauty. I'd say it's one of the can't miss locations among the many in this state. Although I had seen some photos and videos, they didn't prepare me for the overwhelming experience. It's a canyoned, slot canyoned, nature trailed, tree-lined, water featured, and wildlife wonder courtesy of a built-for-the-ages metal catwalk that floats through much of it as you are suspended between ground and sky. I've seen so many places of natural beauty that I don't get as impressed or as thrilled as I did when I was younger. However, here, I can't think of enough superlatives to say how amazed I was. This place can easily fill with people on nice weekend days. I chose a cold weekday morning and I had the place to myself for a few hours. I considered that time an honor as I walked the catwalk gazing up to the cliff faces and sky while listening to the subdued roar of the water passing by below. I took time to descend from the catwalk and sit at a few places at the water's edge. I hike and camp and bicycle and, while they offer exercise and joy, the Catwalk Recreation Area seems to have its own built-in stress relief feature. This is such an embracing and calming place that can lift you up and say don't lose sight of all the good things in the world.

The Catwalk is so beautiful…read more The boardwalk itself is higher above the water than I anticipated and much shorter in distance than I expected. Regardless the feeling entering the canyon after the catwalk is almost surreal the rocks seem as if they just fell minutes before arriving. Almost like stepping in the Flintstones cartoon. I suggest going here, bring lots of water and snacks and wear a hat plus sunscreen the sun is very direct and hot. Not much shade until you get up the river a ways. I would say I think smaller dogs paws would not be comfortable on the catwalks metal grating but large dogs seemed very comfortable walking on it.

The 4 mile moderate Pine Tree trail from the campground is a must do with a huge variety of plant…read morelife, butterflies and birds. You will travel through high dessert to ponderosa pine climates and the wildflowers were spectacular in October after a wet fall. Views of Sugarloaf mountain and the Needles are spectacular.

Excellent location for hiking and trail running. Trails are well kept and well marked. Views are…read morehard to capture with photos. Great to visit in all seasons. Pack water and gear accordingly. Make sure to bring payment for parking.

Most of the trail is easy, with a few sections where it goes uphill and it moves toward moderate…read more Beautiful scenery.

If you visit Las Cruces, you can't miss the Organ Mountains. The rocky spires are stark against the…read morelandscape, and are named because they look like a pipe organ. Visiting them is quite easy as it's a short drive from Las Cruces. There's a visitor center if you would like to know the history behind the area in addition to appreciating the natural beauty of the area. It's also good for planning out your hikes. There are a bunch of trail maps and the maps that prohibit dogs are also clearly marked. There are gorgeous views and the trails seemed well maintained with gravel/dirt. They are well marked so you can't get lost. In addition, there are plenty of bathrooms at the trailhead and visitor center. There's also a water fountain for both people and dogs at the visitor center.

Came in after the bar next door apparently had no bartender after 8 minutes of waiting at the bar…read more Served here immediately with a smile. Recommended.

Good hiking spot just outside of Socorro New Mexico. Blink and you'll miss the sign for "the box"…read more Nice parking lot and clearly marked paths. Beware of flash floods, you can see where the water runs off and the climb to safe ground can be steep. Good shots of the New Mexican dessert scape. If you happen to run into a group of Castle grazing even better.

This place ROCKS! Camping here has to be awesome, especially at night when you can see all the…read morestars. But the best part, especially for kids, is the unique rock formations. There's so much to explore and climb on. My kids could've spent hours there. We took some epic pictures. Drive around the place before you decide to park and choose a spot.

I am almost afraid to write this review. I want to keep this place all to ourselves!…read more This is a gorgeous, out of the way, campground in southwest New Mexico. It's almost like spending the night in Stonehenge! Rocks out in the middle of nowhere (seemingly), each camp spot is fairly secluded too! Not much cellular activity here, so if you can't disconnect, you'll likely need something stronger or need to pass. It's gorgeous, see my photos!

All it was an amazing sight of Gods handiwork I would recommend it to anyone who loves the rock…read moreformations !

Absolutely beautiful views and a great experience! We would say an easy to moderate hike.read more

Great Saturday morning hike. We went out pretty early, so there was lots of shade. Saw a lot of…read morewildlife - javelina and lots of deer. There was also quite a few beetles, but they're little harmless bugs. It's a gradual elevation gain, so even if you're not in the best shape (like me), it is very doable. Just have enough water. We were also treated to the old ruins, some beautiful rock formations and best of all, the waterfall was trickling! The return back to the parking lot is pretty much all downhill.

This is a great, easy hike to a beautiful waterfall with a loop trail through the hills and…read moregrasslands which were full of wildflowers in early October. There is little shade except for the waterfall so go early. Be sure and take at least a portion of the northern Bar Canyon trail to the ruins as well. The Bar Canyon loop trail was a bit confusing due to the number of social trails so watch closely for the signs.

Really beautiful scenery and good picnic areas and restrooms. It is just a quick drive from Las…read moreCruces and it's worth seeing as the mountains are beautiful.

I camped here for a change of pace while driving across country on I-10. I found this place by…read moresearching yelp for campgrounds from my iPhone ap while on the road. Great find! There are a couple of things you will want to know if you find this the same way I did. First, note that the map/directions that this yelp site gives you will NOT take you to the campground (it takes you to what must be a BLM office in Las Cruces). UPDATE: I submitted the correct address (Aguirre Springs Road) to Yelp. If that is the address that shows up, it is correct. The Marquess Street address is the incorrect one. These are the directions copied and pasted from the Aguirre Spring website: Location / Access The Aguirre Spring Campground is located on the east side of Organ Mountains, east of Las Cruces in Dona Ana County. Take U.S. 70 for 14 miles east of the I-25/U.S. 70 interchange in Las Cruces, then turn south on the Aguirre Spring Road (1.1 miles after San Augustine Pass) for six miles. At mile 4 the road becomes a one-way loop and climbs steeply. Next thing to note is that the only facilities are toilets. They were clean and well kept. These restrooms do not have sinks or mirrors. There are no showers and there is no water at the campsites. You can fill up your water containers at the campground host's site which is right on Aguirre Spring Road as you start driving in. The sites have picnic tables and grills and some have fire pits. There is a loop of campsites that are off to the right of the camping pay station. Those sites are pretty close together, and there were several families camped up there, but they are right at the base of those gorgeous rock mountains. I bypassed this loop and drove down the road a little further and camped in a spot on the left a little ways passed the hiking trail (which is on the right). I loved my spot. I pitched the tent under shady tree. A restroom was close-by. I went for a trail run/hike the following morning. A very well spent $3!