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The Box Recreation Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 244 Google reviews · Running trail in Socorro, New Mexico · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from The Box 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.
Rambling park popular for roped rock climbing, bouldering and camping, plus hiking trails.
What runners say about The Box Recreation Area
“It’s quiet, beautiful, has restrooms, and mostly level parking.”
“It’s quiet, beautiful, has restrooms, and mostly level parking.”
I've visited twice in the past few months. Beautiful area. Great for camping, hiking, photography and rock climbing. However, be mindful that the campsites and hiking trails further into the park can become inaccessible after heavy rains. I dumped my RV tanks in Socorro both times.
Very easy drive from Socorro in a 2WD vehicle and a must see. The canyon and boulders are beautiful. It’s free, the parking area is right beside the canyon entrance to walk directly inside. 10/10 must see.
One of the best rock climbing areas in the state.... AND MTB trails now! Check MTB Project or Trailforks... There's a new trail being built that's really good (it's called Descansos)
I explore more than "hike". This area has multiple small caves with varied lengths, altitudes, and diameters. The longest cave is probably 45'. The climb to any of the caves is steep, but achievable by most people if you take your time, use switchbacks to ascend/descend, and wear good footwear.
Trail conditions & character
“I had no cell reception in the parking lot where the vault toilets are located but it was on the edge of Box Canyon so that's to be expected, I guess.”
“It’s quiet, beautiful, has restrooms, and mostly level parking.”
“The climb to any of the caves is steep, but achievable by most people if you take your time, use switchbacks to ascend/descend, and wear good footwear.”
“People car/rv camp at the trailhead, there is no bathroom facility.”
“It’s quiet, beautiful, has restrooms, and mostly level parking.”
“It’s quiet, beautiful, has restrooms, and mostly level parking.”
“However, be mindful that the campsites and hiking trails further into the park can become inaccessible after heavy rains.”
Plan your run at The Box Recreation Area
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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteblm.gov
- Phone(575) 835-0412
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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 Socorro
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Socorro Nature Area
3.9 ★★★★☆ 35 reviews
Park with trails, bird watching, and picnic areas, managed by the Bureau of Land Management.