Outdoor Activities

Water Canyon Campground

Enjoy hiking, bird watching, picnicking, and camping at the foot of the Magdalena Mountains at Water Canyon Campground, 21 miles west of Socorro on US 60. For more information, call (575) 854-2281 or (575) 835-8927.
Link: www.fs.fed.us/r3/cibola/districts/magdalena.shtml

Box Canyon

Box Canyon is a popular site for camping, hiking, bouldering, and rock climbing, and attracts both locals and knowledgeable visitors. It is located approximately five miles west of Socorro off US 60. For more information call (575) 835-0412.
Link: http://www.nm.blm.gov/recreation/socorro/the_box_rec_area.htm

San Lorenzo Canyon

Hike and explore the plant and animal life of the Chihuahuan Desert at the photogenic San Lorenzo Canyon. Located north of Socorro on I-25, exit 169 in San Acacia; head south on the east frontage road. Before you get to 408, there is a one lane underpass under I-25. After you cross under, the paved road goes left, and a dirt road goes more-or-less straight ahead, take this dirt road, and continue past the BLM sign indicating that they do not do garbage collection out here (pack it out). After 0.5 mi, the road forks; go right. This road is the main road, and other, smaller roads join it at times; stay on the more heavily-traveled road. After about 1.8 miles from the fork, you will see a small sign indicating that San Lorenzo Canyon is two miles down a road to your right; take this right. As you get closer to the canyon, you can begin to see the interesting geology; this site is a sign you are getting close. The road ends in the canyon. For more information call (575) 835-0412
Link: http://www.explorenm.com/hikes/SanLorenzo/

Escondida Lake Park

This lake park offers fishing and camping, RV hookups, tent sites, bathrooms and potable water. Full hook-up site (sewer, water, electricity) $18, non hook-up site $10, tent camping $6, group picnic shelter fee $25; reservations required. From I-25, take exit 152 east and continue north 1.4 miles at the bend in the road. (575) 835-2041, (575) 835-8927. (After hours call Al Greenwood, 575-835-4005)
Link: http://socorro.com/fattire/place019.html

Datil Well Campground

Datil Well Campground is a great place for the family and includes 3 miles of hiking trails with views of the San Augustin Plains. Campgrounds include grills, fire pits, and trash cans. Located off US 60, go 1 mile west of Datil on US 60 or South on NM 12. For more information, call (575) 835-0412.
Link: http://www.nm.blm.gov/recreation/socorro/datil_well_campground.htm

Gordy’s Hill OHV Area

The 6,000-acre Gordy’s Hill Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area is a scenic dirtbike and ATV destination overlooking the Rio Grande Valley and Bosque with a tremendous variety of riding opportunities. Take Exit 153 (Escondida Exit) off I-25 and head east then north to Escondida Lake; turn east and pass over the Rio Grande, at Pueblitos
(T intersection) turn left onto Johnson Hill County Road and head north and then east for about 1 mile, then turn east and follow arroyo road to sand hill Staging area. For more information, call (575) 835-0412.
Link: http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/recreation/socorro/gordys_hill.html

Quebradas Back Country Byway

Enjoy biking at the scenic mountain bike trail, with many trail options. Cerrillos del Coyote Loop is a popular route taken by the Cerrillos del Coyote Mountain Bike Race (Socorro Striders and Riders). From I-25, take the Escondida Exit, head east and then north 1 mile, then turn right and pass Escondida Lake; cross the Rio Grande and proceed east through the settlement of Pueblitos. Turn right (south) on Bosquecito road following the east side of the Rio Grande. After 6/10 of a mile there will be a dirt road to the left (east); stay on this road and follow the Back Country Byway signs and markers. For more information, call (575) 835-0412.

For bike trail maps, call or visit the Socorro Heritage and Visitors Center, (575) 835-8927, 217 Fisher Ave., Socorro, NM 87801.