Dogs Off-leash
Features
Views · Wildlife
Parking at NMSU-A or on the road are the only close options. I have parked here many times without any trouble but am unaware as to the restrictions. There is also a area where others park at the intersection of Indian Wells and Scenic Dr.
Description
This trail starts with a moderate ascent on very rocky doubletrack for about 1.5 miles. Once you gain the ridge, you'll begin the singletrack section that continues to climb but more resembles traditional hiking or running trails that switchback through the canyon and up toward the ridge.
Around mile 1.5, you top out on a cliff with great views then turn left back toward the drainage. There is a thicket of tall grass that hides an old mine shaft to the right; the trail continues just past this area and climbs steeply for about a 0.25 mile. The trail gets more remote and overgrown after this point.
There are some great cliff sections on this trail and it might be the most interesting and varied hiking in the foothills. Mile 2.5 has more great views and a boulder to top out to check out the surrounding area.
Mineral Springs is reached at 3.0 miles and has some interesting grasslands that surround the area.
This trail can be done as an out and back or linked with Indian Wells Canyon to return to the TH.
Flora & Fauna
Cacti, mesquite, and other desert vegetation. Rabbits, variety of birds, mule deer, rattlesnakes and mountain lions.
Contacts
Shared By:
Eric Borer
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