A Hike in Soledad Canyon Recreation Area
Our next couple days off from building we decided to explore the Soledad Canyon area ten miles southeast of Las Cruces. Located in the western foothills of the Organ Mountains, this area where Soledad and Bar Canyons join is stunning, a sea of pale green grasses and yucca nestled between the rising peaks.
We intended to hike the Bar Canyon Trail, which cuts across the sloping mouth of Soledad Canyon before going into Bar Canyon but there area lot of well-worn footpaths in the area which left some uncertainty to whether or not we were on that trail most of the time. This was totally fine with us, but I hesitate to say “this was the trail,” except when Abby found us a very wide gravel section that was clearly The Trail. Thank you, Abby. I can definitely say we were not on the trail when we climbed up a ridge separating Soledad and Bar Canyons, but this little side trip provided the best views of the day. Once we descended and Abby found us the trail, we continued into Bar Canyon to look at the mostly-frozen waterfall.
On our way out of the narrows we turned onto a northerly side trail and came across a rock house, which was neat, but this part of our hike was incredibly beautiful in and of itself, traversing grassy plains punctuated by tall yucca plants.
Soledad Canyon Recreation Area, New Mexico
Soledad Canyon Recreation Area, New Mexico
Yucca, Soledad Canyon Recreation Area, New Mexico
First view looking back towards the mouth of the canyons, Soledad Canyon Recreation Area, New Mexico
Tom and Abby hiking ahead of me, Soledad Canyon Recreation Area, New Mexico
Rocky trail, Soledad Canyon Recreation Area, New Mexico
View south while climbing a hill, Soledad Canyon Recreation Area, New Mexico
Soledad Canyon Recreation Area, New Mexico
Abby, Soledad Canyon Recreation Area, New Mexico
Looking north into Bar Canyon from a ridge, Soledad Canyon Recreation Area, New Mexico
Me looking into Bar Canyon, Soledad Canyon Recreation Area, New Mexico
Looking south into Soledad Canyon from the ridge, Soledad Canyon Recreation Area, New Mexico
Tom and I on the ridge between Soledad and Bar Canyons, Soledad Canyon Recreation Area, New Mexico
Abby finds us the trail. Again. Soledad Canyon Recreation Area, New Mexico
Bar Canyon, Soledad Canyon Recreation Area, New Mexico
Bar Canyon narrowing, Soledad Canyon Recreation Area, New Mexico
Iced-over waterfall, Bar Canyon, Soledad Canyon Recreation Area, New Mexico
Tom climbing up the side of the waterfall, Bar Canyon, Soledad Canyon Recreation Area, New Mexico
Shot of the top from as far as we climbed, Bar Canyon, Soledad Canyon Recreation Area, New Mexico
Exiting Bar Canyon, Soledad Canyon Recreation Area, New Mexico
Side trail to see an old rock house, Soledad Canyon Recreation Area, New Mexico
Soledad Canyon Recreation Area, New Mexico
Soledad Canyon Recreation Area, New Mexico
Soledad Canyon Recreation Area, New Mexico
I was just researching this area for a possible trip next year. Looks like a nice little spot!
Hey Brittany! The mountains are definitely beautiful and nice for hiking if that’s what you’re looking for. I’ve spent 13+ weeks in the Las Cruces area this year and they have 4 breweries/taprooms: High Desert, Bosque (taproom- brewery in Albuquerque), Spotted Dog (in Mesilla, NM), and Pecan Grill. The first three have dog-friendly patios. The latter is kind of fancy and only has a couple decent beers. Our fav is High Desert (though sometimes their stuff is a big miss, usually it’s solid) because of atmosphere, food- it’s a locals spot. Bosque has the best beer and the best IPAs; everything is crisp and super tasty. Spotted Dog was a disappointment both times we went; nothing was bad just nothing was appealing if you know what I mean. Lots of Belgian yeast and sweetish medium ales both times which are not my favorite things in a beer. Also, just before leaving Las Cruces last week I found Wookey Jack and oh my goodness – soooooo good. Thanks for the recommendation! So glad I got to try it before it disappears. Also, if you’re in NM try picking up a 6 pack of Santa Fe’s Black IPA.
Cool – thanks for the tips. I was planning on going to Spotted Dog – but I think I’ll change things up. I’m not a big fan of Belgian Beers. So glad you got to try my beloved Wookey Jack! I’ll keep Santa Fe’s Black IPA in mind while I’m in NM.
I hate to tell people not to go somewhere but I’d say pick a different brewery if you’re only going to one. Hope you have a great trip- any idea when you’re going?
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