Sierra De Las Uvas
A "Kinder, Gentler" Brand of Las Cruces 4-Wheeling!
Las Cruces, New Mexico

By: Bob Norton

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No doubt, the challenging trails at the "Chile Challenge" has made 4-wheeling in southern New Mexico famous. But, how about a "kinder, gentler" 4-wheeling experience in the area? Yup, it exists... trails that are easy on the equipment and passengers alike. Trails that lead to outstanding vistas.

White Gap Pass and the Rustler's Fire Trail in the Sierra De Las Uvas are just such trails. Low mountains and mesas, topped by a smattering of pygmy forest (juniper/western cedar), and typical Chihuahuan desert vegetation on the slopes and canyon walls.

White Gap Pass

This winter, my folks from Michigan were again doing the "snowbird" swing through the south and planned a few days visit with friends in Las Cruces. Perfect! An opportunity to see them again... plus a chance to lead them on some more exploration of the Southwest back-country.

What transpired was a trip out of Las Cruces towards some easy, but scenic 4-wheeling in the Sierra De Las Uvas northwest of Las Cruces. Without the rear seat installed and with a notebook computer riding shot-gun, I would lead solo in my Jeep Cherokee, with my parents in their Chevy 4x4 pick-up, and their friends following in another 4x4 pick-up with camper shell. All with CB's, we would be able to chat throughout the day. Unfortunately, without the proper cable adapter, my GPS and the topo moving map software would not handshake on this trip.

West of Las Cruces, at a point just beyond the airport on the frontage road immediately south of the Fairgrounds (home to the Chile Challenge), we head northwesterly on the county road that bisects the huge Carralitos Ranch.

After a few miles, an astronomy site is passed. Nearby, branch routes lead to the start of several of the hard and extreme trails in the southern "Chile Canyons" OHV area. Shortly, our group of 4x4's approach the base of the road that leads up Mesa Azur and to Magdalena Peak at the top. Unfortunately, it was gated closed because of the huge FAA radome located there. A bit disappointing not to be able to take in the panoramas there.

The GPS track on the maps begins at this point as our 3 trucks head up Choases Canyon. The drive is easy but a bit rough due to the exposed rock surface. Prickly Pear Cactus grows rampant in this parched terrain. For those of us not too familiar with the desert, there really is unusual beauty in the stark, arid landscapes.

As we begin the climb up White Gap Pass, spectacular vistas emerge. And from the top of the pass, nearby high points of the Sierra De Las Uvas and distant views of the Organ and San Andres Mountains layer the scene to the horizon. This is a nice place to take a break and do a little hiking nearby.

Back in an era when southern New Mexico, west Texas, and eastern Arizona were dotted with U.S. Cavalry forts, many of the high points in this region were used as part of a communications system. Soldiers were assigned to certain of these overlooks and would communicate messages via code transmitted by reflections from mirrors. Such helped to speed information among the scattered forts.

Our small group next headed westward down the other side of the pass, soon passing an old homestead. Eventually we reach the main highway, head eastward towards Hatch, and then back to Las Cruces.

Rustler's Fire Trail

My return to the Sierra De Las Uvas took place a few weeks later while on my way to the annual "Chile Challenge" 4x4 event and Southwest Four Wheel Drive Association's winter meeting. What I wanted to find was the Rustler's Fire Trail, so I headed back into the area in a reverse direction from the previous trip. Driving up White Gap Pass, I still was not totally sure where the trail was located, but I did have a hunch, based on the trail description I had been given, plus having studied the area USGS topo maps.

As I climbed the pass, a white SUV was slowly approaching in the distance, one that had that distinctive "federal government" look. When we met up with each other, I pulled aside to let the vehicle pass. It was a Border Patrol SUV and 2 agents inside. We chatted a bit and I told them that I was on my way to the 4x4 event at Las Cruces. They laughed and thanked me for the "heads-up" as the influx of backcountry 4x4 visitors sets off their hidden sensors, giving them "fits". They eyeballed my XJ and one said that they would like to drive some of the trails that we do, but alas, their bosses would not give them lifted and big-tired rigs! I mentioned to them that I was looking for Rustler's Fire Trail and queried whether they were familiar with it. Promptly, a crude hand drawn map was pulled out of their glove box. Sure enough, the trail I sought was marked on their map and in the location exactly where I had suspected.

Continuing, I crossed over White Gap Pass and drove to the start of the Rustler's Fire Trail, clearly marked with a BLM sign. The route begins by following up a colorful canyon. Water has carved an interesting, undulating rock sluice at one shadowy section adjacent to the 4x4 trail.

Ultimately, the trail begins a steeper climb and at some places, the rocks are quite loose and are easily spit out by the tires. While not an impossible climb, drivers of stock 4x4's will have their skills tested a bit here, I suspect. Rustler's Fire Trail then continues across the top of a mesa.

The vegetation has now changed somewhat, a cross between the Chihuahuan desert and pockets of juniper (western cedar) that grow in higher elevations.

The route ends abruptly at a northern edge of the mesa. Outstanding views here, including distant mountains, mesas, the town of Hatch, and the Rincon Valley. The landscapes from this overlook include that of perhaps the most productive, concentrated source of green and red chiles anywhere. And Hatch does consider itself the "Chile Capitol of the World"!

It was now time to get on to Las Cruces and settle in for the evening. Back down to the start of this trail, there are 2 choices. One choice is to return in a southerly direction towards the fairgrounds and airport, or to continue eastward towards the Rio Grande valley. To see some different back-country, I drove to the east. In a few miles, following what seemed to be the main graded road down into a canyon past a windmill, I soon found the road to be degrading very quickly. This was definitely NOT the way back. And, sure enough, I was now heading down Broad Canyon and just a short distance from the "Playground" that is a part of the Broad Canyon Trail used during the "Chile Challenge"! Getting late in the day, and not sure exactly how to continue eastward, I turned around and re-traced my route for a little ways. Eventually, I reached the correct "2-Track" road that worked eastward. Soon, I began to see familiar landmarks remembered from a previous visit on the Broad Canyon Trail. I reached the desired highway in the valley without further complications.

Well, I certainly recommend highly White Gap Pass and Rustler's Fire Trail for anyone that wishes to experience a more laid back 4x4 experience near Las Cruces, NM. One that includes some fantastic Southwestern desert scenery, plus a pleasant change-of-pace from the hot "Big-Dog" 4x4 action in the nearby "Chile Canyons".

Area Map (155KB)
Trail Map (203KB)

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