By Michele Robertson
Our community offers many different ways to enjoy the outdoors, including trail systems for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. The Cavern City Trail Keepers is a local non-profit, whose mission is to create, maintain, and preserve a diversity of trails in the Carlsbad area.
Established in 2022, the organization is composed of local mountain bikers and lovers of the outdoors. Board members include Curtis and Michelle Perry, Mark Trujillo, and Angel Campos. Individuals on the board have actively built, rode, and maintained the La Cueva Non-Motorized Trail System since its inception over 30 years ago. Located on the southwest edge of Carlsbad, the trail system covers approximately 2,200 acres and contains more than 15 miles of maintained trails. It is located in a Bureau of Land Management recreation area that is strictly for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian adventure seekers.
The organization is currently working on the La Cueva Ridge Trail, which when complete, will run a length of 23 miles from the La Cueva Non-Motorized Trail System in Carlsbad to the boundary of Carlsbad Caverns National Park. A 1.3-mile section of trail was recently completed going from the non-motorized trailhead off of Dark Canyon Road in between Hidalgo Road and the highway. The trailprovides an experience through the rugged terrain of the rolling limestone foothills of the Guadalupe Mountains.
Funding for the work being done comes from a Trails + grant through the state’s Outdoor Recreation Division. A grant of $61,000 was awarded to cover materials needed, with labor being all volunteer. Three cattle guards have been installed since October, with another seven to be installed in the 1.5 years.
On December 14 the group will be working to complete a section of trail, getting it ready to install another cattle guard in January. Michelle Perry shared that “the route is completed, but work on the trail is still needed.” Each cattle guard that gets installed opens a new section of the La Cueva Ridge Trail.
The most recent completed section is a pretty easy section to recreate on, Perry shared.
“Dress for the weather, take plenty of water, and be aware of grazing cattle, as the trails go through Bureau of Land Management grazing areas. Don’t get between momma and baby cows, and if you’re taking dogs on the trail with you, be sure to keep them under control around the cattle,” she added.
There are single track and two track sections, with motorized use available in certain sections. A hope for the future is to have a nearby Jeep trail available for those who wish to experience the trails with an engine powering their ride.
“It’s (the La Cueva Ridge Trail) going to be a super awesome adventure trail. It is a work in progress, so for now, enjoy the 1.3 miles that are open,” Perry said.
Fall, winter, and spring are the times when the most work will be done on the trail due to the extreme conditions outside during the summer months in the Chihuahuan Desert.
Benefits of being a member of the Cavern City Trail Keepers include regular group rides, maintaining trails to provide the best user experience possible for residents and visitors alike, community involvement, and camaraderie. Annual dues are $35 for an individual and $45 for a family. Please realize that participation is at the member’s own risk and members must take full responsibility for their actions and safety. It is expected that members be properly prepared for the circumstances of any activity they participate in, including weather, personal needs, safety, and outdoor ethics.
For more information on the Cavern City Trail Keepers or to volunteer some of your time to make a difference, reach out to the organization. Visit their website at https://www.caverncitytrailkeepers.org/, send an email to caverncitytrailkeepers@gmail.com, call 575.302.0856, or find them on Facebook.
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