Home › New Mexico › Las Cruces › Picacho Peak Recreation Area
Picacho Peak Recreation Area
4.5 ★★★★★ 60 Google reviews · Running trail in Las Cruces, New Mexico · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 1.5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Picacho Peak Recreation Area'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.
Recreational area with walking trails for all levels of experience and views from the top.
What runners say about Picacho Peak Recreation Area
“You can hike around the base of Picacho Peak and enjoy the arroyos and rock formations or hike to the top for some great views.”
“Picacho Peak Recreational Area has some wonderful hikes and trails for those with all levels of experience.”
Nice hike. There are a couple of different trails to do. If you are following Google maps. When it says you have arrived, just keep going straight and the road will dead end in the parking lot. Not a lot of people but a lot of fun and a great view, if you hike all the way to the top.
My daughters and I loved it. There were a few people at first and then it was just us. We had a lovely picnic at the picnic tables when we were done. We struggled a little to find the exit because the entrance we came from was narrow and steep. Try and remember what surrounds it so you can easily find your way out.
By far one of the best hikes that I’ve been on! The hike to the top starts out easy, but once you’re near the top, the trail becomes strenuous and has a very steep climb (the total elevation gain from the trailhead is about 800 feet.
I spend a lot of time in this area. Hiking and enjoying the outdoors it is definitely a great place to do a hike and check out the local area.
Trail conditions & character
“After getting through that, you get a breathtaking view of Las Cruces, the Organ and Robledo Mountains, and the Mesilla Valley!”
“Only complaint is that it is kind of difficult to get to the parking area if you don't have a 4x4, usually have to borrow a truck to get out to the parking area.”
“We struggled a little to find the exit because the entrance we came from was narrow and steep.”
Plan your run at Picacho Peak Recreation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- Distance1.5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Websiteblm.gov
- Phone+1 575-525-4300
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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.
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.
Sagecrest Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 54 reviews
Neighborhood park with a playground and picnic area, plus a walking path leading to wetlands.
Doña Ana Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 59 reviews
Hiking, cycling, and horseback riding trails crisscross this area with varying degrees of difficulty.