Prehistoric Trackways National Monument

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

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Prehistoric Trackways National Monument

Situated roughly 45 miles northwest of El Paso, TX, New Mexico's Prehistoric Trackways National Monument is a fascinating outdoor destination. One of many sites administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), this site was designated a national monument in 2009 to protect the land's amazing paleontological, scientific, educational, and recreational resources.

Perhaps the most interesting attribute of this BLM site is its major deposit of Paleozoic Era fossilized footprints, left many millions of years ago by prehistoric amphibians, reptiles, and insects. Visitors will also find opportunities nearby for "BLM camping near me," hiking, horseback riding, and off-highway-vehicle (OHV) riding. Many who travel to the area also take the time to visit the nearby White Sands National Park and the San Andres National Wildlife Refuge.

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.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Whether you want to enjoy primitive camping around the BLM site or more modern camping around the nearby town, you'll find plenty of options for RV camping in the area. There aren't any developed Bureau of Land Management campgrounds at the site, so if you wish to camp there, you'll need to do so without amenities. If you'd like to RV camp with full hookups and plenty of conveniences, you can stay at one of the many nearby RV parks. A couple of the quality options are the Las Cruces KOA Journey and Alameda Acres Mobile Home Park.

Free Camping

If you choose to do any camping out in nature at the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument, it will be Bureau of Land Management free camping. Provided that you can find a stretch of durable land that's suitable for dispersed camping, you're free to set up camp in whichever part of the area you like.

RV Rentals Near Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Prehistoric Trackways National Monument BLM trip

If you're planning a trip to the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument, you don't need to worry if you forget to pack a few supplies because the nearby town of Las Cruces features plenty of grocery outlets and other stores. However, if you want to camp at the BLM site and avoid making a supply run, bring as much water and food as you'll need for the duration of the trip.

If you're visiting the site during the summer, prepare for extremely high temperatures. In addition to bringing plenty of extra water, remember to bring along sunscreen and any other heat or sun protection you require. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

During your visit to the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument, the BLM asks that you make an effort to minimize your stay's impact on the land. Most importantly, please refrain from touching, moving, or removing any of the fossilized items you find in the area. Be thorough about removing any waste or trash that you produce, give the wildlife inhabitants plenty of space, and be courteous toward your fellow visitors. Additionally, carefully planning and preparing for your travel and activities goes a long way toward leaving no trace of your visit.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Location

To reach the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument from Las Cruces, travel north on Shalem Colony Trail for about 5.5 miles. Before you reach the Rio Grande, you'll want to turn toward the west on a county road called Rocky Acres Trail. After about 0.25 miles, you'll see a dirt road entrance on your left. Cross over a cattle guard and continue on the road, and you'll reach the National Monument. Keep in mind that to continue farther than a mile on the dirt road, you'll need a high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Ready to visit Prehistoric Trackways National Monument? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day of exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.