Sierra Vista Trail

Hiking on the Sierra Vista Trail

Along the western slopes of the Organ Mountains and the eastern slopes of the Franklin Mountains, the Sierra Vista Trail is 25 miles of non-motorized mountain biking trail with spectacular views of these desert mountains. While most of the trail is on gravel, there are rocky sections where you might want to have some suspension and the middle areas (east of Vado) are sandy and difficult.

While the trail allows hikers, bikers and horseback riders, you'll usually come across bikers only out here. At the southern end, the trail connects with Texas' Franklin Mountain State Park Trail System.

There are no facilities, no restrooms, no drinking water along the way. The Sierra Vista Trail is east and southeast of Las Cruces with several accessible trailheads. One is to get off the I-25 at exit 1 and head east on University Avenue/Dripping Springs Road for about 4.5 miles to Soledad Canyon Road. Follow that until you come to a parking area on the right. Or, exit the I-10 at Mesquite and follow Mossman Arroyo Road to another trailhead. Other trailheads can be reached from the Vado exit on I-10 and via NM 404 at Anthony Gap. The Sierra Vista Trail is open year round for non-motorized use only. No fees are involved.

Update 2014: The Sierra Vista Trail System has been included in the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument.

Maps: BLM - Las Cruces