HIKE 2 - Ocotillo Hills Nature Trail, Carlsbad, NM
Trail: Occotillo Hills Nature Trail
Date: Sunday, 01/12/2020
Distance: 2.06 miles
Distance From Home: 445 miles
Weather: Warm, sunny, slight wind
Trail Notes: it’s one mile, so two there and back, and either all uphill or all downhill
I’m in New Mexico for work, and I had reached a point where I needed a break on a Sunday afternoon. I drove the half hour to Carlsbad, but didn’t have a lot of time so just did a local nature trail. Turns out, this one was perfect for the hour I had to hike! It was 1 mile from trailhead to trailhead; I parked at the lower level at New Mexico State Carlsbad.
The trail meanders through the hills along side of the Living Desert State Park and Zoo. Once about halfway up, you can really see the city below. Once about three quarters of the way up, you get a full view and it’s quite spectacular for a little local nature trail. As the trail name suggests, it is lined with ocotillo and other desert plants. Pair those plants with a blue sky and you have the perfect hike.
This trail has no shade, but is great on days with mild temps and sunshine. Once summer hits, it may be a little warm, though I don’t know the area climate that well. If this trail were in my backyard, I’d use it to train for mountain running by doing many miles.
I hope you find a nice local trail wherever you are and take advantage of your surroundings. Happy hiking!
