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Sierra Vista National Recreation Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 124 Google reviews · Running trail in Las Cruces, New Mexico · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 29 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Sierra Vista National Recreation 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.
Hiking, mountain-biking and trail-running destination, with sweeping views and free camping.
What runners say about Sierra Vista National Recreation Trail
“Highly trafficked road but extremely beautiful views of the mountains and city lights at night :)!”
Very nice at this time of the year. Not very hot. Boondocking allowed 14 days max. Dry camping only. It is a very popular spot for biking 🚴♀️ 🚴♂️ specially. This spot gets a bit of visitors Thursday through Sunday.about 15 minutes to walmart for supplies. A few spots have fire pits already made by people.
This is a strenuous 29 mile trail through beautiful country. There is free disbursed camping at the north trailhead near Las Cruces off Dripping Springs Rd. We stayed several nights and explored the area, enjoying the gorgeous Organ Mountains outside our front door.
Nice free camp spot. Only a few pull off spots on the graded road, which is less than a 1/4 mile long. A few campers in the turn around at the end. Place fills up quick. There is also a pocket for camping over the hill next to the turn around.
Beautiful trail, not very difficult with only slight ups and downs. Recommend taking hiking poles if you have balance problems.
Trail conditions & character
“Highly trafficked road but extremely beautiful views of the mountains and city lights at night :)!”
“There is free disbursed camping at the north trailhead near Las Cruces off Dripping Springs Rd.”
“Highly trafficked road but extremely beautiful views of the mountains and city lights at night :)!”
“This is a strenuous 29 mile trail through beautiful country.”
Plan your run at Sierra Vista National Recreation Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance29 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking — 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.
Soledad Canyon Day Use Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 434 reviews
Mountainous, pet-friendly destination offering various hiking trails, some with waterfall views.
Dripping Springs Natural Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,592 reviews
Hiking trails through rock spires & scrub to 1800s resort buildings & a granite-wall spring.
Achenbach Canyon Hiking Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 40 reviews
Hiking area featuring a loop trail with views and rocky canyons.
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument
4.8 ★★★★★ 161 reviews
Scenic mountain range, canyon & woodlands with hiking, horseback riding, camping & mountain biking.
Tortugas Mountain
4.8 ★★★★★ 192 reviews
Hill featuring steep climbs, mountain biking, hiking trails, and an observatory at the summit.