Posted By auntie on January 31, 2016

1.3 miles; Alamagordo, NM

Since the White Sands hike was so short, I decided to add another quick hike to the day, and visited New Mexico’s Oliver Lee Memorial State Park.

View of the Tularosa Basin

This hike was a steep climb up the side of a canyon in the Sacramento Mountains on the east side of the Tularosa Basin, which is bounded by the San Andres Mountains to the west—that’s the line of hills you see in the distance of this photo. Also, you can just make out the White Sands on the right near the horizon. It turned windy that day, and the white dust kicked up. It looked like fog.

Dog Canyon Trail Sign

This hike was really steep, and I didn’t do too much of it, more because I was nervous about coming back down than reluctant to climb up. Good way to break an(other) ankle, I figured.

River Trail

There was another little trail, the River Trail, that followed the bottom of the canyon for a bit. There was a little water in the wash, but not much. Just enough for some little pools to form. I also saw a javelina—first one I’d seen hiking, although they are everywhere in Bisbee—they’re such a nuisance that they knock over the rubbish bins on trash day. That’s where I saw them last. Naturally, I tried to get a photo, but it was too far away to really make anything out.

Sunset over Frenchy’s Cabin

There was an old adobe foundation that was labeled “Frenchy’s Cabin.” Frenchy was, apparently, an old hermit who inhabited this canyon maybe 150 years ago. Talk about not wanting to mingle…

Find more information about Oliver Lee Memorial State Park at the New Mexico State Parks website.

Categories: New Mexico, Walks and Hikes
Tags: 2 miles or less, Alamagordo NM, NM