What You’ll Do & Why It Matters:

Kilbourne Hole was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1975, recognizing it’s outstanding and well-preserved geologic features that give us a window into the natural history of our planet and the volcanic processes that have shaped much of southern New Mexico. In recent years, Kilbourne Hole has become a hotspot for illegal trash dumping and target shooting which had significantly degraded the outstanding natural and scenic qualities that it was first recognized for 50 years ago. 

During this event, participants will help restore these qualities by picking trash of all shapes and sizes. Gloves, trash bags & buckets, trash grabbers, and other personal protective equipment will be provided at the site, as well as porta potties and hand washing stations. Lunch, cold water, and sports drinks will also be provided by Friends of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks. (Thank you, Friends!)

During lunch and throughout the event, you will also have the opportunity to learn more about the natural history and geology of Kilbourne Hole and the surrounding Potrillo Volcanic Field from BLM Rangers and Geologists.

All participants will be given a free single-use public lands pass that can be used for entrance into any National Park, Monument, or other federal recreation area across the country! National Public Lands Day t-shirts will also be offered while supplies last.

Where You’ll Be: 

Participants can either meet at the BLM - Las Cruces District Office (1800 Marquess St, Las Cruces, NM, 88005) at 7:00 am to carpool and join a caravan out to Kilbourne Hole or meet at the clean-up site at 9:00 am. We will be meeting at the parking area on the south-east corner of the crater on County Rd A011 (31.95618, -106.95685). 

Access Factors & Directions:

The drive out to the Kilbourne Hole is on a well-maintained dirt road for approximately 45 - 60 minutes once you leave NM Hwy 28 near La Union, NM from the east or I-10 from the north. While this road is normally passable in any vehicle and we will make every effort to ensure the road is graded the week before the event, the rain this year has made road consistent maintenance difficult. High clearance vehicles with good tire tread are recommended if there has been rain the week prior to the event.

We recommend taking Aviation Rd from La Union. Continue on Aviation Rd for ~7.8 miles until reaching the train tracks. Turn right onto County Rd A017 after crossing the train tracks and continue for ~3.2 miles to a well-marked intersection for County Rd A011. Turn left onto A011 and continue for 11.5 miles to the meet-up site on the rim of Kilbourne Hole!

What To Bring:

High temperatures above 90°F can extend well into September in southern New Mexico. Please come prepared with sun protection (hat, sun glasses, sunscreen, light-weight long-sleeved clothing, etc.), sturdy shoes/boots, and make sure to hydrate the day before!

Questions?

Please feel free to reach out to Kevin Chesak at kchesak@blm.gov or (575) 494-3335.