Soledad Canyon

Las Cruces, NM

The Organ Mountain recreational area comprises about 27, 167 acres of public Bureau of Land Management lands. There are two public parks located along the Las Cruces side of the mountain range: Dripping Springs and Soledad Canyon. Dripping Springs in the main visiting area and has a park fee of $3 per vehicle. There are hiking trails that lead up around an old sanatorium, picnic areas, and a visitors center. Pets are not allowed in the park at anytime.

Soledad Canyon is a small canyon on the south end of the Organ Mountain complex. It is a less frequently used area where pets are allowed. Vehicles are not permitted on the trails but there is a convenient parking lot at the main trail head. There is no parking fee for the park, though the park does have gate hours.

Soledad Canyon looking towards Las Cruces. Photo by Janelle Alleman, 2005.

The canyon had a two trail system. There is a main trail that takes you up a maintenance road to a rock house built along the back edge of the canyon. It then continues around the north side of the canyon and back down to the parking area. There is also a minor trail that is longer that takes you in a clover shape around the entire canyon, including a small section to the south of the main area. You can also choose to take a short trip to a channeled waterfall that also has a cistern. Both trails are relatively easy, though caution is recommended during and after rain events as much of the trails are in or through arroyos.