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Vado, New Mexico

Top Spots in and near Vado

  • Vado, New Mexico

    Hike the Sierra Vista Trail from Vado to Bishop's Cap

    4 mi
    Start your hike from the Sierra Vista parking lot. Proceeded NE toward Bishops Cap. At first, the trail goes through some small arroyos and is a little rocky. After about half a mile, the trail is rather flat and goes through some sandy and grassy areas. Enjoy good views of the mountains!
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  • Las Cruces, New Mexico

    Hike the Pena Blanca Trail

    5.0
    2.3 mi / 262 ft gain
    The road to get here is a dirt road, but I was able to do it without a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle. Once you park off to the left in the little gravel pull-off, you're going to follow the trail that is on the same side of the road. There will be a post that is red at the top (second picture) th...
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  • Las Cruces, New Mexico

    Hike the Sierra Vista Trail

    29 mi / 500 ft gain
    The trail follows the foothills of the Organ Mountains. The terrain is hilly but not very difficult to hike. There are some steep laces and also some sandy places. I have only hiked sections of the trail at different occasions . There are a lot of interesting plants along the trail. The trail is ...
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  • El Paso, Texas

    Hike the Lower and Upper Foothills Trails

    8 mi / 500 ft gain
    Hike both trails and enjoy some very good views of the Franklin Mountains and the abundance of wildflowers particularly at the end of the summer. In the fall, enjoy the many beautiful grasses. The trails are not too steep  but long and are a pleasure to hike in sections. Bikers would not have any...
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  • El Paso, Texas

    Hike the Schaeffer Shuffle Trail

    2.6 mi / 691 ft gain
    This a scenic but steep trail. Start on the SE turn off and followed the arroyo. After a while, the trail starts to climb up the mountain. The trail is rocky in places, but offers excellent views of the Franklin Mountains. On your descent on the NW side, you will have great views of the Avispa Ca...
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  • El Paso, Texas

    Upper Sunset Trail

    5.0
    2.81 mi / 581 ft gain
    The trick to this view is that the park gate closes at 5 pm. Therefore you have two options: Option 1Park at the entrance of the park (outside of the gate) and hike into the park. From there walk along the road to the park entrance ($5 entrance fee) and continue to the first left road ...
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  • Las Cruces, New Mexico

    Hike the Dripping Springs Natural area

    3.5 mi / 500 ft gain
    This is a very scenic moderate 3,5 mile hike featuring beautiful views, rare plants and the ruins of the historic Dripping springs resort. Lots of wildflowers in the summer. In the winter you may encounter some snow and ice at the end of the trail. The trail is rather busy on week-ends but not so...
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  • El Paso, Texas

    Aztec Cave Trail

    0.66 mi / 164 ft gain
    Start your hike from the parking lot and cross an arroyo to start your ascent to the cave. The trail climbs steadily but not difficult to hike. There are benches along the way if you need to rest your legs. The caves are small but interesting and from the caves you have very good views of the sta...
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  • Las Cruces, New Mexico

    Organ Needles Trail

    5.88 mi / 3333 ft gain
    The Organ Needles Trail in Las Cruces, New Mexico is a challenging hike that rewards with stunning views. This 5.88-mile round trip trail is rated as difficult, with a steep incline and rocky terrain. The trail begins at the Baylor Canyon Road trailhead and ascends to the Organ Needle Peak, the h...
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  • Las Cruces, New Mexico

    Organ Peak Trail

    5.0
    9.92 mi / 3458 ft gain
    Organ Peak Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Las Cruces, New Mexico. This is one of the longer and more challenging hikes in the Organ Mountains. An early start is recommended to keep heat down during the warmer months as well trekking poles and p...
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  • El Paso, Texas

    Hike the Lower Sunset Trail

    7 mi / 1043 ft gain
    I have hiked this trail several times but only in sections since it is so long. You can start from either the south parking or the north parking lot. I'd suggest leaving a car at both if possible so you can hike point-to-point if you want a shorter, 3.5 mile hike. The trail has very good views of...
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  • Las Cruces, New Mexico

    Hike the Picacho Mountain

    3 mi / 1200 ft gain
    This is a somewhat strenuous hike up Picacho Mountain. The trail is 3 miles round trip and has an elevation gain of 1200 ft. Great views from the top and also many cacti species can be seen along the trail.
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  • El Paso, Texas

    Hike to North Franklin Peak

    5.0
    8 mi / 2100 ft gain
    El Paso is a sprawling city that is remarkably split by the Franklin Mountains. By driving up the Transmountain Road you can get a view of city, but stopping at Franklin State Park and climbing the North Franklin Mountain Peak you can top the city! To start, enter Franklin State Park and pay the ...
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  • El Paso, Texas

    Mundy's Gap Trail

    3.36 mi / 1161 ft gain
    You can start hiking the trail either from the West side or East side. I started on the West side at the Agave Trail. The climb up the mountain is not too hard and offers good views of the mountains. There are some very interesting rock formations on the east side. You can continue the trail to t...
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  • El Paso, Texas

    Hike the Tom Mays Trail

    2.6 mi / 502 ft gain
    Hike this trail from the entrance of the State Park all the way to the parking lot of the Schaeffer Shuffle Trail. There are good views of the Franklin Mountains and lots of cacti and wildflowers to enjoy. This trail intersects with the Aztec Cave Trail and the Mundy Gap Trail.
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  • El Paso, Texas

    Hike to West Cottonwood Springs Trail

    1.6 mi / 781 ft gain
    Start your hike from the west cottonwood trail parking lot and ascend through some nice desert vegetation. The trail is rather rocky and has lots of loose rocks so step carefully. You'll pass by the old copper mine and then proceeded up the steep arroyo to the spring and cottonwood trees for very...
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Camping and Lodging in Vado

Las Cruces KOA Journey
Las Cruces, New Mexico

Las Cruces KOA Journey