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BLM>New Mexico>Outdoor Recreation>Las Cruces Recreation>Prehistoric Trackways National Monument
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Prehistoric Trackways National Monument


Location Map

The Prehistoric Trackways National Monument was established in 2009 to conserve, protect, and enhance the unique and nationally important paleontological, scientific, educational, scenic, and recreational resources and values of the Robledo Mountains in southern New Mexico. The Monument includes a major deposit of Paleozoic Era fossilized footprint megatrackways within approximately 5,280 acres.

The trackways contain footprints of numerous amphibians, reptiles, and insects (including previously unknown species), plants, and petrified wood dating back approximately 280,000,000 years, which collectively provide new opportunities to understand animal behaviors and environments from a time predating the dinosaurs. The site is characterized as containing the most scientifically significant Early Permian track sites in the world.

There are opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and off highway vehicle driving in portions of the monument. However, viewing trackways is limited; as they are discovered, and to preserve them for ongoing and future scientific study, the trackways are removed and transported to the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. Anyone interested in viewing these fascinating tracks can do so by visiting our museum partner - the New Mexico Museum of Natural History offers public tours of their Geoscience Collection, including the Trackways Collection, by reservation.

The Prehistoric Trackways National Monument is located at an elevation of about 4,500 feet above sea level in the Robledo Mountains north of Las Cruces. This is a desert area in a series of canyons cut into the steep mountains, dominated by creosote. Rainfall averages 8.5 inches annually, with most coming during July, August, and September.  Thunderstorms are a common occurrence and lightning poses a hazard to hikers. Average temperatures range from highs in the 90's to lows in the 20's. In warmer weather rattlesnakes are sometimes sighted in the canyons or heard under rocks so please be alert.

Location / Access | Location Map
BLM is developing plans to facilitate public access to the National Monument. There are currently no facilities or signs for or at  the Monument. This website will provide updates about public access as they become available.

The New Mexico Museum of Natural History is located at 1801 Mountain Road NW in Albuquerque. From Interstate 40, take Rio Grande Boulevard south about half a mile to Mountain Road, then east on Mountain Road less than a half a mile to the Museum, turning north on 18th street to the parking lot. The Museum entrance is on 18th Street.


Trackways Photo

Interpretive Signs Hiking/Backpacking Horseback Riding Watchable Wildlife

Fees
None.

Season/Hours
Generally Open year-round.

Recreation Guidelines
BLM Recreation Guidelines

Special Rules
Motorized travel only on designated roads and trails.

Maps
Location Map
See Contact Information below to obtain maps or visit the Public Lands Information Center.

Contact Information
Las Cruces District Office
1800 Marquess Street
Las Cruces, NM  88005-3370
575.525.4300