Las Cruces Dam Trail

Despite many good options in the local area, the trail along the top of the Las Cruces Flood Control Dam is the only unpaved trail within the city. Flat and straight, it makes for a dull hike, but does offer a high point to see much of Las Cruces' natural beauty towards the mountains and desert. And there may be good news for the trail in the future: a $1.4 million wetland restoration project led by the city and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2014 promises to create a diverse wildlife area in the open space next to the dam, with trails running throughout. Parking areas for the trail are at either end. From the north side, a dirt trail switches back from the lot up to the trail; a shortcut on the other end of the lot goes straight up the bank. It's a three-mile gravel hike to the other end, with the back of retail businesses on the right and open space to the left. A small shaded bench next to the southern parking area marks the end of the trail.