On Hwy 185 between Radium Springs and Las Cruces, there is a neat short hike called simply the “Slot Canyon Hike.” This hike follows a very narrow slot canyon carved into the desert floor by eons of water flow. The hike is geologically fascinating and appropriate for any time of year. Not much sun gets into the crevice, keeping it cool even in summer. It is also free for day use, and only 2.5 miles on fairly flat ground.
To start, you will follow Hwy 185 (or N Valley Drive if you’re in Las Cruces) to about 7 miles from Fort Seldon. You will see a little parking area (not paved or anything) on the right side. It will usually have several cars. On the left side of the road, there is a green gate.
The gate is locked but you can easily walk around it. This is not private property. The rusted metal post next to it has a cheeseburger and fries etched into it. That is the beginning of the hike.
Go around the gate and you can easily find the trail. You can either go right or left. We went left, following a rocky wash at the base of the hills for about a quarter of a mile. The wash gradually widened and deepened, until it became Slot Canyon.
The walls of the canyon are hard-packed earth, hard as stone. They gracefully bend and curve, as the sandy ground undulates up and down. The slot canyon is an art form that only water or wind can achieve.
Lots of fascinating rocks in the area, too. You can see all kinds of rocks and fossils embedded in the walls.
This area is quite busy. We passed at least a dozen people. The Slot Canyon Hike is very narrow. You will pass some people coming back the other way so you will have to squeeze up against the wall sometimes.
The end is rather underwhelming as the Slot Canyon rises up to meet the land in a rocky wash. You can explore this area and some of the amazing rocks. There are nice views of the Mesilla Valley, and interesting glimpses into the desert geology and ecology.
To return, you can either take the loop or hike back through the Slot Canyon. Admittedly we had trouble finding where the trail picked up again for the loop, so we just turned back. Sometimes I find out-and-back hikes boring but not here. You will notice new rocks and geological features on the return hike if you go that way.
