Sierra Vista Trail North

For the first time since its dedication in early November, Dr. K, Becca and I hiked the new section of the Sierra Vista Trail in the Organ Mountains east of Las Cruces.  The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) did a fantastic job blazing the trail, which begins off Soledad Canyon Road across from the parking area for the old trail.  The trail is clearly marked and easy to follow.

Getting an early start on the Sierra Vista Trail North

The trail is 2.5-miles in one direction, and it runs north/south between Soledad Canyon Road and Dripping Springs Road.  If you hike from south to north as we did there's a constant, but gradual, descent for the entire distance.  There are some incredible rock formations at the southernmost section.

Rocky outcroppings near Soledad Canyon Road

Rock spires in the Organ Mountains



There were some stunning vistas along the way, making for a very enjoyable hike in the very high desert.

Sotol (aka Desert Spoon) at the side of the Sierra Vista Trail North

The views back toward the city were splendid, and we marveled again at how very much like a tortoise Tortugas Mountain looks.



Tortugas Mountain from the Sierra Vista Trail North

I would rank this a 9 out of 10-star trail, the slight demerit coming from the proximity to expensive homes high in the nearby Talavera community.  The trail passes within a few hundred yards of one ritzy home, making this hiker wonder whether the residents were opposed to the opening of the new section of trail.

The nearby home of some lucky residents

A more luxurious home in the higher reaches of the mountains



We were pleased with the aerobic workout we got on the new trail, especially on the return leg when the climb was entirely uphill.  Becca, of course, was never winded.



Happy hound on a new trail





Some serious ups-and-downs on the new trail



The Sierra Vista Trail North, with its stunning vistas and rewarding aerobic workout, has definitely been added to our repetoire of hikes in the vicinity of the Organ Mountains National Recreation Area.



A drabble of snow in a high-mountain crevasse



The breathtakingly-rugged Organ Mountains