Castner Range Fence Line

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The Chuck Heinrich area's southernmost trail runs along the fence marking the boundary with Castner Range, a former artillery area used by Army forces at Ft. Bliss. Overgrown with knee-high grass, an unusual feature in the Chihuahuan Desert, it doesn't have much to recommend it other than a change of pace from the rockier trails to the north.

The trail's western turnoff begins at an intersection with Cardiac Hill and South Cardiac Hill. The beginning is unmarked and faint; watch for a break in vegetation heading due south. The dense grass growth can make the trail hard to follow at times, but the western half is generally smooth and quick to hike on. As the trail nears a short hill, it becomes somewhat rocky, requiring careful footing.

The path eventually crosses a dry creek bed before climbing back up to Cardiac Hill. A rusted car body in the washout marks the trail for westbound hikers, a helpful marker.

Sotols, yuccas, creosote bushes, mesquite and cacti. Rabbits and birds.