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BLM Camping

La Cueva Non-Motorized Trail System

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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La Cueva Non-Motorized Trail System

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sites are areas of land that have been set aside for public use. This government agency is responsible for overseeing and preserving over 245 million acres of public land in the US. When Bureau of Land Management camping, you won't have access to amenities like RV hookups or showers, and you cannot camp in the same spot for longer than 14 days in a 28-day period. You can find these areas by searching for "BLM camping near me."

If you want to try BLM RV camping, you should visit the La Cueva Non-Motorized Trail System, which is partially located in Carlsbad, New Mexico, covering about 2,200 acres and featuring more than 15 miles of trails. These trails are popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. The area is nestled at the foot of the Guadalupe Mountains and offers visitors a glimpse at the desert landscape of the area. La Cueva Non-Motorized Trail System is 22 minutes northeast of Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico and 48 minutes northeast of Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Rattlesnake Canyon Upper Loop

Located in Carlsbad Caverns National Park approximately 48 minutes southwest of La Cueva Non-Motorized Trail System, the Rattlesnake Canyon Upper Loop is an excellent way to explore the beautiful desert landscape above the caverns.

Length: 5.9 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Ocotillo Hills Nature Trail

The Ocotillo Hills Nature Trail is located in the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park, 10 minutes northwest of La Cueva Non-Motorized Trail System. It’s a fantastic way to view native plants and animal species.

Length: 2 miles

Intensity: Easy

Pecos Riverwalk

This peaceful trail, which is 10 minutes northeast of La Cueva Non-Motorized Trail System, meanders through the Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area.

Length: 4.6 miles

Intensity: Easy

La Cueva Canyon Trail

This local trail is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding, and it offers stunning views of the landscape.

Length: 4.7 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Juniper Ridge Trail

Juniper Ridge Trail, an hour southwest of La Cueva Non-Motorized Trail System, winds through the gorgeous landscape in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, and it’s an excellent place for wildlife viewing.

Length: 1.9 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

Lake Carlsbad is a wonderful place for fishing and boating, and it also has designated swimming areas. The nearby Pecos River and Brantley Lake are also excellent spots for fishing. Anglers can often catch catfish, bream, and white bass. Brantley Lake, which is a half-hour northwest of La Cueva Non-Motorized Trail System, is also a good choice for sailing, canoeing, and kayaking.

Climbing

Climbers can head a half-hour southwest of La Cueva Non-Motorized Trail System to reach Last Chance Canyon, which is one of the most popular rock-climbing destinations in the area. Most of the climbs are sport climbs, although there are a few traditional climbing routes. There are also 120 bolted routes.

Wildlife Viewing

The La Cueva Non-Motorized Trail System and the nearby Carlsbad Caverns National Park are both excellent places to spot wildlife. Native species include bats, coyotes, rabbits, hawks, quails, bobcats, javelina, kangaroo rats, mule deer, and several species of snakes and lizards.

Picnicking

Lake Carlsbad Beach Park is one of the best picnic spots in the area. The park offers beautiful views of the water, and there are many picnic tables available. There are also shaded areas, restrooms, and grills. Visitors can also stop at the Carlsbad Caverns Picnic Area, which offers about a dozen picnic tables.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

There are many RV camping options available near the La Cueva Non-Motorized Trail System and Carlsbad. The Carlsbad KOA Holiday, 25 minutes northwest of La Cueva Non-Motorized Trail System, offers a beautiful setting as well as hookups, restrooms, a laundry area, and a fenced dog park. Carlsbad RV Park, seven minutes to the southeast, offers full hookups, an on-site laundry, a pool, and several outdoor games.

Free Camping

There are several Bureau of Land Management free camping options in the Carlsbad area. Avalon Lake Campsite is a free primitive campsite located right on the lake 20 minutes north of La Cueva Non-Motorized Trail System, and the views are beautiful. Parks Ranch Campground, 40 minutes southwest of La Cueva Non-Motorized Trail System, is a BLM site that offers free dispersed camping and gorgeous views of the scenery. Chosa Campground, which is 28 minutes to the southwest, is also free. There are few amenities, but the area is large enough that there is almost always room available.

RV Rentals Near La Cueva Non-Motorized Trail System Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your La Cueva Non-Motorized Trail System BLM trip

Most visitors prefer to enjoy the area during the spring, fall, and winter months as temperatures in this desert landscape can become extremely hot during the summer months. Temperatures can drop quickly at night, however, even reaching below freezing during the winter, so it’s a good idea to pack warmly if you’re staying overnight and dress in layers if you’re hiking. Remember, also, to carry plenty of drinking water with you at all times.

La Cueva Non-Motorized Trail System area is a great place to spot wildlife, but you could also encounter some venomous snakes. Stay alert as you hike, and if you do see a snake, observe it from a distance and try to disturb it as little as possible. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Whenever you’re enjoying Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, it’s important to protect the areas as much as possible by leaving as little trace as possible. Always take your trash with you when you’re on the trails, and either dispose of it in a trash can or at home. Only make fires in contained, designated areas, such as a fire pit or ring. The fire danger is often high in desert locations like the La Cueva Non-Motorized Trail System, so only make a fire when the fire danger is rated as low. Stay on the trails, and observe any wildlife from a safe distance.