What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Trackways Trail
The Trackways Trail, located right at the BLM site, is a moderately challenging out-and-back trail with some excellent views. While you probably won't see many other people along the route, you will get to view some of the fascinating fossils that the area is known for. You'll also see plenty of desert vegetation around you as you traverse the peaceful trail.
Length: 2.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Picacho Canyon Loop Trail
The Picacho Canyon Loop Trail is another quality option for hikers visiting the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument. The trail is suitable for hikers of all skill levels, but it can be a bit challenging to follow at places. There are also lots of side trails that you can use to branch off from the main hike, so you'll have the option of adventuring and exploring. Visitors should stay alert for the many interesting avian species that inhabit the area. You can bring your dogs with you, but they must remain leashed.
Length: 4.9 miles
Intensity: Easy
Branson Canyon Loop
The Branson Canyon Loop is a nearby route popular for hiking and trail running. As you're trekking along the rocky trail, you may see a number of fossilized plants and shells. You'll also see plenty of colorful wildflowers and perhaps some local wildlife.
Length: 6.0 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Fishing & Boating
Visitors willing to travel about 40 miles north on the highway will find fantastic fishing and boating opportunities at Caballo Lake. The beautiful, placid reservoir is home to an abundance of striped bass, white bass, crappie, largemouth bass, walleye, and catfish. Caballo Lake is also the most popular destination in the area for boating, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and swimming. Alternatively, the Rio Grande flows just east of the BLM site—it's also a quality destination for fishing and nonmotorized boating.
Climbing
If you head just 15 miles east of the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument, you'll reach the Organ Mountains, which feature many great opportunities for bouldering and trad climbing. If you're a beginner, you'll probably want to start your climbing in the Sugarloaf Area. More experienced climbers can partake in some cragging at The Citadel or the Southern Comfort Wall. The best bouldering can be found at Pena Blanca and Aguirre Bouldering.
Wildlife Viewing
For some wildlife viewing, head over to the San Andres National Wildlife Refuge located a few miles northeast of the BLM site. The refuge is home to many interesting species. A large herd of desert bighorn sheep is known to inhabit the refuge, and animals like black bears, mule deer, bobcats, gray foxes, mountain lions, and javelinas are also common there.
Picnicking
Picnic tables are scarce around the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument BLM site, but visitors can always walk over to the banks of the Rio Grande and enjoy a picnic there. Alternatively, since the site is located so close to the town of Las Cruces, NM, you can go there and find several municipal parks that are peaceful spots to enjoy lunch outdoors.
OHV Riding
If you're looking to participate in some OHV riding near this BLM site, you can do so at the nearby Robledo Mountains OHV Trail System. However, the trails are extremely rocky and very challenging, so beginners should probably steer clear until they've gained more experience.
