Recreation in Socorro

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Socorro Public Library

kokopeli pictograph

Recreation in Socorro

New Mexico Tech Golf Course: open to the public, 1 Canyon Rd Socorro, NM 87801, phone: (505) 835-5335, fax: (505) 835-5495.
- This course is located directly behind NM Tech. During the spring, when all the trees are in bloom, the fairways become more narrow and the course itself becomes much more scenic. The greens are mostly level and fast. Water hazards (eleven ponds) come into play on ten holes. The signature hole is #4, a 224-yard, par 3, requiring a shot to an elevated green. "Golf Digest" rated this course as the 9th "Best Public Course" in the state for 1996. The ladies' tee also has a men's course rating of 66.1 and a slope of 114. See also NMT Golf Course.
Sedillo Park: tennis courts, regulation horseshoe pits, baseball diamonds; swimming pool open summers; picnic tables playground equipment. The Socorro City Pool is at the southwest corner of Sedillo Park.
Clarke Field: walking track, playground equipment. Located at the corner of Sixth St. and Spring St., south of California St.
Tech gymnasium: open to the public designated hours, 835-5131
Socorro Riverine Park: four picnic areas, walking and horse trails along the river. Take Otero St. east from California St., straight ahead to the gravel roads that parallel the Rio Grande.
San Lorenzo Canyon: Chihuahuan Desert plants - animals, geological formations, hiking.
Escondida Lake: fishing, camping, RV hookups, facilities. Take I-25 two miles north from Socorro, at Escondida (Exit 152), east at stop sign until road turns, then six miles to lake. (505) 835-4005
Bosque del Apache Refuge: walking trails, birding, museum. Sixteen miles south of Socorro, east off I-25 at San Antonio, then south.
Water Canyon: campground, picnic area, birding and hiking. Twentyone miles west of Socorro off US Hwy. 60.
The Box Recreation Area: hiking, rock climbing, bouldering. Six miles southwest of Socorro off US 60.
Quebradas Back Country Byway, photography, hiking, wildlife viewing, geology, starts about five miles from the Plaza, from Interstate 25, exit at Escondida and head east, then north to the turnoff for Escondida Lake. Drive past the lake, cross the Rio Grande, turn south at the "T", turn west and follow the Backcountry Byway signs. High-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended. Length 24 miles, ending at County Road A-129. Turn south toward US 380, it is 11 miles into San Antonio.
- Woven tapestries of yellow ochre, burnt sienna and buff-colored ridges of sandstone, shale and limestone run north-south, bisected by arroyos that drain west to the Rio Grande and provide primitive camping and hiking options as well as wildlife travel corridors.
Gordy's Hill Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area: an area set aside for dirt-bikes and ATVs. Gordy's Hill includes deeply dissected canyons, high sandstone and limestone bluffs, terraces, and escarpments. It's located east of Escondido Lake (see above). Head east and cross over the Rio Grande. At Pueblitos (the T intersection), turn left onto Johnson Hill County Road. Head north and then east for about a mile, then turn east and follow the arroyo road to the sand hill staging area. Old 2005 webpage
Fort Craig: hiking, picnicing, and self-guided tours. It's located about 32 miles south of Socorro. Take I-25 to the San Marcial Exit (Exit 124), then east over the Interstate, and south on old Highway 1 (the frontage road) for about 6.5 miles. Turn east (left) on the Fort Craig Rd. (there are signs) about 4.5 miles of gravel road.
Springtime Campground and San Mateo Peak: hiking, picnicing, camping, and rock climbing. The campground is located about 65 miles southwest of Socorro. Take I-25 to Exit 115, then go south on old Highway 1 (the frontage road) for about 12 miles. Turn west (right) on Forest Road 225 (there is a small sign) about 13 miles to the right hand turn to Springtime Campground. Trail No. 43, the trail to the peak, known as the Apache Kid Trail, is 4.2 miles (one-way), and climbs up 2779 ft. The trail goes on another 20 miles past Apache Kid Peak and over Blue Mountain to eventually come out at Forest Road 478.
El Malpais National Monument, photography, hiking, wildlife viewing, geology, 142 miles northwest of Socorro, go west on US 60, then north on State 603 just past Pie Town, and north on State 117 just past Techado.
- Features lava flows and associated features dating from 115,000 to 2,000 years old. There is hiking along established routes or crosscountry. Go underground and experience the diveristy of life thriving in lava tubes. Picnic or camp.
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Last update August 9, 2010

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