La Cueva Non-Motorized Trail System
The La Cueva Non-Motorized Trail System covers approximately 2,200 acres with more than 15 miles of maintained trails. Conveniently located near the city limits of Carlsbad, the non-motorized trails were developed in the mid-1990s in partnership with the local biking community and are primarily used by mountain bikers, hikers, and equestrians.
The La Cueva Ridge Trail contains 22.6 miles of multi-use biking, hiking and equestrian trails connecting the La Cueva Non-Motorized Trail System to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Originating on the southern side of La Cueva Trail System, La Cueva Ridge Trail traverses the rolling limestone foothills and bottomlands of the Chihuahuan Desert, proceeds to the east side of the Guadalupe Escarpment encompassing steep-sided canyons and incised arroyos with intermingled mesa tops, before finishing in the Chihuahuan Desert where you have the option to drop into Whites City, New Mexico, or continue onto the Guadalupe Ridge Trail all the way into Texas.
What to Wear & Bring:
- A long-sleeved shirt will help protect your skin against UV rays and wick away sweat to help cool your body.
- A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- Sturdy shoes will protect your feet from rocks and thorns.
- Helmet with headlamp to keep your noggin safe and gloves.
- Bring a gallon of water per person/per day.
- Plenty of high energy, salty snacks to offset what you lose through sweating.
- Bring enough sunscreen to apply liberally every two hours.
- Bring a cellphone or personal locator beacon. Always have a plan and share it!
Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)
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La Cueva Non-Motorized Trail System and La Cueva Ridge Trail does not have any accessible features or facilities. To utilize this area, one needs to be able to hike, bike, or horse ride up to almost 23 miles across rolling hills, rough terrain, while navigating around wildlife or other recreators.
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Shade is limited, water is not available, and service may be spotty along the trail.
- Head out early in the day to beat the heat.
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Tell someone where you are going and when you will return.
- Bring a cellphone or personal locator beacon.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Fees
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None
Facilities
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There is no potable water at either location.
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La Cueva Non-Motorized Trail
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A parking lot with a vault restroom, information panel, and shade structures.
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La Cueva Ridge Trail
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A parking lot and information panel.
Nearby Amenities
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The nearest location to acquire food, gas, and water is in Carlsbad,~9 miles away via McKittrick Rd and Standpipe Rd.
Season/Hours
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Open year-round.
Special Rules
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Motorized use of the trail is prohibited.
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Pets must be on a 6-foot leash.
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Please make sure to carry out any litter.
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No fireworks, discharge or use of firearms, or any other weapons.
BROCHURES, MAPS, AND PUBLICATIONS
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In progress
Wildlife in Area
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Bullsnakes
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Rattlesnakes
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Rabbits
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Red-tail Hawks
Phone
Activities
Addresses
Geographic Coordinates
Directions
To get to the La Cueva Non-Motorized Trail System (32.362177, -104.299067): From Carlsbad, head west on N.M.-524 W/W. Turn south on Standpipe Road and travel 3.5 miles to Hidalgo Rural Road. Take Hidalgo Road for 1.2 miles before turning right onto McKittrick Road. Follow McKittrick for .9 mile, the parking area will be on the right directly before a cattleguard and fence.
To get to the La Cueva Ridge Trail (32.293454, -104.319439): From Carlsbad, head south on S. Canal St. Turn south onto San Jose Boulevard and travel 2.4 miles to U.S.-180 W/U.S.-62 W. Take U.S.-180 W/U.S.-62 W for 7.0 miles before turning right onto Dark Canyon Road. Follow Dark Canyon Road for 2.3 miles, the parking area will be on the right.
Fees
No