Page Type:
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Route |
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Lat/Lon:
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32.30455°N / 106.59378°W |
Route Type:
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Hiking |
Season:
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Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter |
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Time Required:
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Less than two hours |
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Difficulty:
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Easy |
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Overview
The Bar Canyon Trail near the city of Las Cruces takes you on a 3.1 mile loop through the western foothills of the Organ Mountains.
The trail begins at the Soledad Canyon Day Use area at the junction of Soledad Canyon and Bar Canyon, providing a close-up view of the geological structures that make up the middle section of the Organ Mountains. Unlike the vertically-jointed tertiary granite that make up the sharp peaks of the northern range, extrusive igneous rock (mostly a purplish-gray rhyolite) form the uniquely shaped rock structures along the trail. The trail also provides a nice view of Squaw Mountain, located just north of the trailhead.
Bar Canyon Trail is open to non-motorized uses, including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. It is also used for wildlife viewing.
Getting There
The trailhead is located 10 miles east of Las Cruces. From I-25, exit onto University Ave. Take the University/Dripping Springs Rd. East 4.5 miles to Soledad Canyon Rd. Travel south on Soledad Canyon Rd. for 1 mile, turn left at the fire station and continue 4.5 miles until the road ends at the Soledad Canyon Day Use parking area.Red Tape
The trail is available year round and can be hiked during the day between 8am and 7pm.External Links
Soledad Canyon Day Use Area
Wikipedia - Organ Mountains