Date & Time: Sunday, March 15, 2026 · 7:45AM

Location: Las Cruces, NM

Meet-up Location: Dairy Queen/Speedway gas station at Transmountain and I-10 (6990 N Desert Blvd, 79912)

Join Celebration of Our Mountains for a guided slot canyon hike that explores one of the desert’s most striking landforms, narrow canyons carved by erosion and episodic flash flooding. This moderate out-and-back hike winds through sandy washes and rocky passages, offering participants a close-up look at how water, sediment, and time shape desert landscapes. As we move through the canyon, participants will learn about desert geomorphology, sediment transport, and canyon formation, with hands-on discussions focused on reading rock layers, recognizing erosional features, and understanding the role of intense but infrequent rainfall events. The narrow walls and changing terrain provide dramatic scenery and a tangible sense of how dynamic desert environments can be. This hike is designed for teens and adults and requires comfort navigating uneven terrain, sandy sections, and confined spaces. The pace allows time for observation, discussion, and photography while maintaining a steady forward movement through the canyon.

Distance: ~2–3 miles round trip

Duration: 3 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Best for: Teens and adults

Bring: Sturdy hiking shoes, water, sun protection, snacks, and a small backpack

Important: Slot canyons are weather-dependent environments. This hike will be canceled or rescheduled if rain or flash flooding is forecast.

Trip Lead: Angelica Paz, Contact: 915-525-5081, Co-Lead: Melissa Ortega