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Doña Ana Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 59 Google reviews · Running trail in Las Cruces, New Mexico · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Doña Ana Trailhead'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.
Hiking, cycling, and horseback riding trails crisscross this area with varying degrees of difficulty.
What runners say about Doña Ana Trailhead
“Nice mostly flat trail, with beautiful cacti and open country, for a group of over 60 and 70.”
“We were lucky to see a group of 8 or 10 javelinas scrounging around and chasing each other 🐖 As usual in the desert it was hot, dry and no shade.”
Great trails for hikes, bikes and doggie runs. Fairly flat so it's decent for older folks or people who don't want to hike hills.
One of the most diverse trail systems in the Las Cruces Area. Year round riding, but if you're coming out here in the summer, aim for the mornings.
Required AWD or 4WD to get to the trail head - this is a remote and unmarked trail but the Google marker will take you to the trailhead where there's room to park your car. You will be rewarded with some really cool geological features and amazing views.
Beautiful trail! I loved the desert scenery, and it seemed to go on forever.
Trail conditions & character
“There are also some hills to climb and some rock crawling features, so there's lots of variety.”
“Nice mostly flat trail, with beautiful cacti and open country, for a group of over 60 and 70.”
“Lots of mountain bike single track trails around the south part of the Dona Ana's.”
“Required AWD or 4WD to get to the trail head - this is a remote and unmarked trail but the Google marker will take you to the trailhead where there's room to park your car.”
“We were lucky to see a group of 8 or 10 javelinas scrounging around and chasing each other 🐖 As usual in the desert it was hot, dry and no shade.”
“Nice mostly flat trail, with beautiful cacti and open country, for a group of over 60 and 70.”
Plan your run at Doña Ana Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
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.
Sagecrest Park
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Tortugas Mountain
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Baylor Pass West Trailhead
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Hiking area with trails that are good for children, dogs, and camping.