Home › New Mexico › Las Cruces › Doña Ana Arch Trail
Doña Ana Arch Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 21 Google reviews · Running trail in Las Cruces, New Mexico · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Doña Ana Arch Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Doña Ana Arch Trail
“Stunning fun fantastic nice breeze and lovely”
Two ways to go on this loop trail once you've cleared the initial walk up to the split. Going left puts you on the more difficult half of the trail; the arch is just about at the half way point.
Beautiful from the top. Doña Ana Arch did not disappoint. I left my car where paved road ends and it was an easy 10min hike to trailhead. You can go to trailhead with any car but you're risking flat tire from the sharp rocks. You'll end up walking 4.
Really cool stuff up there, but lots of it is steep. Bring good hiking boots and poles and water.
The Dońa Ana Arch. My second time out here, the first time I hiked up to the highest point and noticed the arch on my way down. This time I took a different route and hiked up past the arch to the top. I took a break on the top and noticed a little path as I was walking around looking for a spot to rest.
Trail conditions & character
“There are some pretty steep climbs and decent with loose rocks so watch your footing and take you time.”
“If you follow the loop to the right, you’ll hit a very steep, mostly flat, rock surface.”
“I left my car where paved road ends and it was an easy 10min hike to trailhead.”
“I left my car where paved road ends and it was an easy 10min hike to trailhead.”
“If you follow the loop to the right, you’ll hit a very steep, mostly flat, rock surface.”
Plan your run at Doña Ana Arch Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Las Cruces
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Doña Ana Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 59 reviews
Hiking, cycling, and horseback riding trails crisscross this area with varying degrees of difficulty.
Picacho Peak Recreation Area
4.5 ★★★★★ 60 reviews
Recreational area with walking trails for all levels of experience and views from the top.
Sagecrest Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 54 reviews
Neighborhood park with a playground and picnic area, plus a walking path leading to wetlands.
Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 274 reviews
Natural area along the Rio Grande with trails popular for hiking & birding, plus ranger-led tours.