LOCAL

BLM 50th anniversary highlights rivers and trails

Deborah Stevens
For the Sun-News
Volunteers clean up a segment of the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail leading to an interpretive site called the Yost Overlook, off Interstate 25 and Exit 32 past the Jornada Del Muerto Scenic Historical Marker (milepost 22.8).

Planning to kick-start or continue your outdoor adventures in 2018? The place to begin is right here in southern New Mexico. The invitation to get out and take advantage of the recreational opportunities on public land is being made by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and its partners for the 50th anniversary of the Wild & Scenic Rivers and National Trails System Acts.

It is BLM’s hope that leading up to the anniversary on October 2, 2018, visitors from all backgrounds will connect, explore and discover America’s vast system of designated rivers and trails.

More:Winter offers birdwatching opportunities on BLM lands

Las Cruces Four Wheel Drive Club, BLM partner on Prehistoric Trackways trail signs

BLM workshop focuses on Solar Regional Mitigation Strategy

For Las Cruces and surrounding communities, the public land hosting some of these amazing treasures are not far from our homes. Specifically, the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail (NHT) and the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST) are two opportunities to enjoy their unique natural and cultural legacy.

The El Camino Real NHT recognizes the primary route between the colonial Spanish capital of Mexico City and the Spanish provincial capitals in New Mexico between the 16th and 19th centuries. The “Royal Road of the Interior” introduced Europeans into the heart of the indigenous world of Pueblo communities and their nomadic neighbors. It was designated by Congress in October 2000 and is jointly managed by the BLM and National Park Service. From present day Mexico City to San Juan Pueblo, NM, the El Camino Real has a rich 300-year history worth getting to know.

Congressionally designated in 1978, the CDNST navigates through some of the most diverse BLM-managed lands in New Mexico, Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana. It navigates through dramatically diverse ecosystems. 

In New Mexico, the CDNST encompasses approximately 775 miles of federal, state and private lands, traversing the length of the state, starting from the southern terminus in the BLM’s Big Hatchet Mountains Wilderness Study Area near Hachita, NM, on Highway 81. Known as the ‘King of Trails’, the CDNST is also worth the experience.

Hikers can get a great perspective of the Organ Mountains by hiking the Pine Tree National Recreation Trail, originating from the BLM Aguirre Spring Campground near White Sands Missile Range.

National Recreation Trails are another system of trails that provide outdoor opportunities primarily around urban areas. The BLM Las Cruces District manages four National Recreation Trails located in the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, including Baylor Canyon Trail, Pine Tree Trail, Sierra Vista Trail and Dripping Springs Trail. These trails are easily accessible and provide the public with an opportunity to learn about the public land resources that make them so inviting.

#FindYourWay is the theme of the 50th anniversary of the Wild & Scenic Rivers and National Trails System Acts. The BLM Las Cruces District is very excited to showcase all of its trails, so dust off your hiking boots, poles, and mountain bikes, etc., and join the celebration!

Go to the BLM website for information and interactive maps.

Deborah Stevens is a public affairs specialist for the Bureau of Land Management Las Cruces District Office.

A monument at the southernmost point of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail stands ready to welcome all adventurers who challenge the ‘King of Trails’.