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Tortugas Mountain
4.8 ★★★★★ 192 Google reviews · Running trail in Las Cruces, New Mexico · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Tortugas Mountain'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.
Hill featuring steep climbs, mountain biking, hiking trails, and an observatory at the summit.
What runners say about Tortugas Mountain
“On a beautiful cloudy day is the best way to go to the A mountain.”
“A couple picnic tables under shade and map at bottom.”
“Many trails are well marked and easy to follow.”
Great mountain not very far form Las Cruces. There are several trails here. You can walk around the base of the mountain or you can hike up to the top on several trails. The ascent is somewhat steep but not too difficult. On the top you will have very good views of Las Cruces and the Organ and Dona Ana mountains.
Don't follow google maps directions as it attempts to direct you to drive up to the observatory but you must park in the lot nearby and hike up.
Fairly simple hike, lots of beautiful views. Definitely worth the hike, lots of different trails
Love this! We did turtleback trail, it's rocky and a little steep but we did it with a 4 yo and a baby in a front carrier. I read it's about an hour, we went off trail and took some time and we finished in less than 2 hours. I heard the view of the sunset at the top is unspeakable. Loved the views and the climb!
Trail conditions & character
“On the top you will have very good views of Las Cruces and the Organ and Dona Ana mountains.”
“We did turtleback trail, it's rocky and a little steep but we did it with a 4 yo and a baby in a front carrier.”
“My dog loves it and most ppl let their dog go leash free within reason.”
“You can either go straight up the mountain on a small single track or follow the fire road around the side and up to the top.”
“A couple picnic tables under shade and map at bottom.”
“Parking area is well maintained and there are many trails leading up to the top.”
“The trails can be a little hard to follow after rains, and there aren't many trail markers.”
Plan your run at Tortugas Mountain
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
- 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.
- 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.
Tellbrook Park
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Sierra Vista National Recreation Trail
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Achenbach Canyon Hiking Trail
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Soledad Canyon Day Use Area
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Mountainous, pet-friendly destination offering various hiking trails, some with waterfall views.
