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Bar Canyon - Soledad Canyon


Highlights:

Hike through a narrowing canyon to a natural water fall.
Near:White Sands Missile Range, NM
Scenery:
Distance:3.96 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:880 ft
Hike Time:2.5 hours
Difficulty:Easy
Trail Condition:OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:Loop


Summary: Begin the hike at the trailhead. Stay to the right, follow the trail counter-clockwise. At 1.5 miles there is a junction where the trail divides. You can follow the loop to the left, or continue straight ahead to the old rock house and the waterfall. At 1.63 miles you reach the old rock house. Continue down this trail to the waterfall. The trail will head to the right, up a small hill, then left into a narrow dead-end canyon. The waterfall is all the way back. To finish the loop, return the the junction where the trail divided. Turn right, and follow the trail back to the trailhead.
Trailhead: From the intersection of I-10 and I-25, head north on I-25 1 mile to the University Exit. Head east on University. Travel 4.8 miles to Soledad Canyon Rd. Turn south on Soledad Canyon Rd. Follow pavement left at the fire station. At about 4 miles, the pavement ends. Continue east on the dirt road - through the gate and then right to the parking area. The trailhead is the sign to the east. (Lat:32.30463 Lon:-106.59351)
Trail Guides for Bar Canyon - Soledad Canyon:
Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter,
User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses,
Ranger Contact: Dripping Springs - 505-525-4300 Day use only
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Michael P. Olbrisch, who has posted  54 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Submit your own review
Reviewed by Kent on 4/13/2008
Really nice hike. We went on April 13th, 2008. Excellent location, path is in very good condition. Path is marked well, so it is fairly easy to follow. There is some elevation gain, but it is very gradual so easy for families. We stayed to the right when we started off which took us around the main loop. Very pretty section. It seemed many folks were taking the left split at the beginning which basically allows a straight walk to the Rock House and cuts quite a bit off the distance. The only confusing part is that one loop comes together at a bench, and then the trail splits again just south of the Rock house, so that is a bit confusing as compared to the map provided on this page.

Reviewed by Tom K. on 10/3/2006
I lived in the house (now gone) from 1974 to late 76. That was pre-paved roads, pre-electricity, pre-city water, pre-neighbors. It was truly the most amazing place I've ever had the pleasure of calling home. I hiked the canyon again this past summer and it was like returning to the holy land. The house is gone but at least the canyon wasn't chopped up and neutered like the foothills and desert. It's a shame that the well has been shot up and put out of action. The water was pure and sweet and the cistern made the nicest swimming hole after a hot hike. Though we had little money, we considered ourselves to be very wealthy people overall.

Reviewed by TJV on 9/10/2006
Took the hike 9-8-06. After all of the rains, the flowers were absolutely beautiful. Nice hike on a nice day, temp in high 70's. Would recommend this hike. TV from New York

Reviewed by mlc on 10/10/2005
Nice hike. It has a variety of scenery with some wonderful views. Good oportunity for photos of various types. The cascade area is cool and shady, great for a picnic or a just a little relaxing with nature.


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: New Mexico Hiking, New Mexico Trails, New Mexico Hikes, Dona Ana County Hiking, Dona Ana County Trails, Dona Ana County Hikes

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