San Lorenzo Canyon
Millions of years of Earth’s history unfold in San Lorenzo Canyon, a picturesque area of sandstone cliffs, arches, and hoodoos. The cottonwoods indicate there may have been a reliable water source at one time in the area. The area has remnants of old ranches and homesteads; springs and tiny creeks are hidden in the canyon bottoms and washes.
San Lorenzo Canyon is jointly managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Land Management as a primitive recreation area. This scenic east-west canyon offers ample outdoor opportunities for hiking and primitive camping as well as outstanding opportunities for photographers. High clearance and/or 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended.
Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)
- A high-clearance vehicle, such as a truck or a 4-wheel drive vehicle, is recommended as this road is rugged in several areas and can be difficult to navigate when wet.
- To hike the area, one needs to be able to walk across uneven, rocky, and silty ground and maneuver or climb through canyon cracks for several miles.
- This area does not have any ADA-compliant facilities or interpretive displays. The most accessible way to enjoy the area is to travel by vehicle.
Know Before You Go
Fees
- None.
Facilities
- None; restrooms and drinking water are not available.
Nearby Amenities
- The nearest place to get food, gas, and water is in Lemitar, 13 miles away.
Season/Hours
- Open year-round.
- Be careful in wet conditions. Roads may become slick, and flash flooding can occur in the canyon.
Special Rules
- The road is an annually maintained dirt road. A high-clearance vehicle, such as a truck or a 4-wheel drive vehicle, is recommended. Use particular caution when the road is wet.
- No fireworks, discharge or use of firearms, or any other weapons.
- Pets must be on a 6ft leash.
- Please make sure to carry out any litter.
BROCHURES, MAPS, AND PUBLICATIONS
Wildlife in Area
- Bees
- Red-tailed hawks
- Turkey vultures
Flickr Album
Phone
Activities
Addresses
Geographic Coordinates
Directions
The site is northwest of Socorro and about 5 miles northwest of Lemitar, NM. The area can be reached by taking the western frontage road north from Lemitar (along I-25) and driving about 5 miles. At that point, you follow a maintained dirt road west, which will take you to the main canyon.
Fees
No