La Llorona Park

This is a lovely linear trail that travels along the Rio Grande. Parking is across the street from where the trailhead on AllTrails is, and there is a restroom there. Bring water because this is an exposed trail. There is a paved path and a dirt path that parallels it, so you have options. I went off the path a bit to explore, and found an encampment that was thankfully deserted.

Nice park to walk, jog, and cycle on the paved path in the mornings or evenings. Also when water levels are good in the Rio Grande, kayaking, and floating on tubes is a good time.

We stopped here in 2021, after COVID quarantine, during a return to college road trip. We were surprised then that there was no water in the riverbed, but it was a great opportunity to "stand in the Rio Grande." We made this trip (post PhD thesis defense and graduation) in mid-November of 2024. After being in the desert of Tucson, AZ, the fall colors were an added bonus to again being able to stand in the sandy riverbed of the Rio Grande. However, we made the mistake of walking off the concrete walkway and into the "grasses". We returned to the car with burrs attached to our pant-legs, shoelaces, and embedded in the soles of our gym shoes. DON'T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE. They are not easy to remove. Also, be aware that the road that runs along the park is straight and narrow with no cul-de-sac at the end. It takes a little maneuvering to turn around to head back out. We've been there when only one or two other cars are parked along the guardrail, and turning was not difficult. I can't imagine what you would do if that side were full of parked cars; maybe back out???

Nice bikepath outside of Las Cruces. We did not do the part that went through the city. Too much stopping and street riding. But the part by the river was flat and nice.

Long paved walking trail… Good sunset views… has play area for kids, unsheltered picnic areas, but no restrooms. A section of the south part can be a bit smelly because of the drainage canal. No parking fees.