Out On Trail

Where is Soledad Canyon? Soledad Canyon is located in the western foothills of the Organ Mountains, approximately ten miles east of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Soledad Canyon Day Use Area, administered by the Bureau of Land Management, is located at the juncture of Soledad Canyon and Bar Canyon.   What should one expect on the trails at Soledad Canyon? The Bar Canyon Loop provides excellent views of the Organ Mountains and Mesilla Valley. The trail is between 3 and 3.5 miles round-trip. It is an easy hike, but stable footwear is recommended, as the trail surfaces are mostly loose rock. While you will want to pay close attention at the beginning of the route, as it is somewhat easy to get diverted down a dry stream bed, most of the trail is well-marked and easy to follow. In addition to the scenic views, highlights of the trail include a historic homestead and a seasonal waterfall. The flow of the waterfall is dependent upon recent rainfall.   Soledad Canyon Day Use Area is open d...

Where is Picacho Peak Recreation Area located? Picacho Peak Recreation Area is located just northwest of Las Cruces, New Mexico, about seven miles from downtown. What should one expect on the trails at Picacho Peak Recreation Area? Picacho Peak sits just under 5,000 feet of elevation (4,959 feet). It is composed mostly of rhyolite (mostly quartz and feldspar). The recreation area sits on 13,000 acres. Be prepared, as the final 1.5 miles of road approaching the recreation area are unpaved and not particularly smooth. A high-clearance vehicle, while not a necessity, allows for easier access. Due to the location, the opportunity for solitude exists when hiking at Picacho Peak. On my last afternoon trip, I only saw one other hiker on the trails and one person walking a dog near the trailhead. Over 15 miles of hiking, mountain biking, equestrian, and ATV trails are available within the recreation area. A 1.5-mile hiking-only trail leads to the peak, offering striking views of the Organ Mo...

Where is Blue Mound State Park? Blue Mound State Park is located about 25 miles west of Madison, Wisconsin. Why visit Blue Mound State Park? Blue Mound State Park is situated on the highest point in southern Wisconsin, providing scenic views from two observation towers. The park also offers some unique geological features, over 20 miles of hiking/biking/skiing trails, a family campground, hike/bike-in campsites, access to the Military Ridge State Trail, and even a swimming pool!   What should one expect on the trails at Blue Mound State Park ? With over 20 miles of trails, there are options for most hikers. Trails are mostly wide, dirt surfaces, winding through hardwood forests. They are well-marked and easy to follow. On certain trails, hikers will need to be prepared for stairs and some steep inclines. Check out the  trail descriptions to help build your hiking itinerary. Highlights of the trails include the observation towers, the opportunity to observe and learn about ...

Why visit Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest? The forest, at over 236,000 acres, covers portions of three counties and has more than 900 lakes within its borders. A variety of recreational opportunities are available, including hiking, biking, camping, canoeing, kayaking, and boating. During the winter, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and snowmobiling are popular activities. Where is Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest? Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest is located in northern Wisconsin. Nearby cities, in the area of the state affectionately known as "The Northwoods," include Rhinelander, Eagle River and Minocqua. The forest is located approximately four hours from Milwaukee, 3 and 1/2 hours from Madison, and three hours from Green Bay.   What should one expect on the trails in Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest? On our last trip, we visited the Escanaba Trails and the Lumberjack Trails, which are linked by a connecti...

Where is Dripping Springs Natural Area? Dripping Springs Natural Area is located about ten miles east of Las Cruces, New Mexico, on the western side of the Organ Mountains.  What should one expect on the trails at Dripping Springs Natural Area? A little over four miles of easy hiking trails are available at Dripping Springs. Vegetation is primarily desert scrub and low-elevation pinion juniper and oak woodlands. Wildlife sightings are common (I encountered a herd of desert mule deer grazing on my last visit). Views of the Organ Mountains and a natural spring affectionately known as "the weeping wall" are also prominent features of the hikes at Dripping Springs. Along with the natural sights, there are several preserved historical structures, with explanatory signage. These buildings provide an idea of what life may have been like for early settlers in the area. The site is open year-round, with the exceptions of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Yea...

Why visit Palo Duro Canyon State Park? Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States. The canyon is approximately 120 miles long, with an average width of 6 miles. Geological layering can be seen within the rocks. The park is quite beautiful and offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Where is Palo Duro Canyon State Park? Palo Duro Canyon State Park is located in Canyon, Texas. Canyon is in northern Texas, about 30 minutes southeast of Amarillo.  What should one expect on the Lighthouse Trail?   The Lighthouse is a rock formation, which is the crown jewel of Palo Duro Canyon State Park. It is approximately 2.75 miles from the trailhead to the base of the Lighthouse (5.5 miles round trip). The trail is mostly dirt and can be quite muddy after rain. The final quarter mile of the trail, approaching the Lighthouse, is quite steep and rocky. Please do exercise caution on this section of the trail, as the loose rocks can cause you to lose your balanc...