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Ascend Dry Canyon with some arroyo hiking that turns into high desert.


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Map Key

5.8

Miles

9.3

KM

Point to Point

7,329' 2,234 m

High

5,669' 1,728 m

Low

1,663' 507 m

Up

3' 1 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

14%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

Description

Beginning at the Dry Canyon TH off of Hwy 84, the trail begins by following the arroyo for a couple miles. It is a little tricky to follow at first as there are some other off shoot trails from cattle and abandoned forest roads. The majority of this trail is on the west side (hiker's right) of the arroyo and when you traverse left usually there is another crossing shortly after to continue on the west side once again.

Once you hit the switchback at mile 3.3, the trail is consistent and very easy to follow. The trail begins to get a little steeper from here up with some rocky sections mixed into the trail that will become mostly red dirt and clay.

At mile 4.2, you'll see the junction for Upper Dry Canyon (T5574A) on the left. Continue straight to stay on the Dry Canyon Trail or go left to add a some more mileage and vertical to your hike.

Reaching the signed junction for the A Trail (T119) at mile 5.5 take a left to continue to the upper Dry Canyon TH off of Westside Road.

Flora & Fauna

Desert vegetation and wildlife and high desert pinion and juniper as you climb. Deer and elk tend to be seen up higher. Watch for rattlesnakes in the arroyo and on the lower trail.

Contacts

Shared By:

Eric Borer

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 3 votes

#3

in Alamogordo

#12196

Overall
  4.0 from 3 votes
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Trail Rankings

#3

in Alamogordo

#183

in New Mexico

#12,196

Overall
11 Views Last Month
1,061 Since Feb 19, 2017
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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33%
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Photos

Just northwest of the trailhead, enjoy this view looking into the canyon.
Feb 19, 2017 near La Luz, NM
Looking south on the trail.
Sep 7, 2019 near La Luz, NM
Looking east from the trail.
Sep 7, 2019 near La Luz, NM
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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