Double Canyon Draw River Trail

The Double Canyon Draw Trail is a 2.1 mile roundtrip out-and-back walk down a use trail along Black River in southeastern New Mexico.

The hike lies off the map in an area that generally sees few visitors - even fewer who head to the area who aren't en route to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Beginning from the Ladder Hole Day Use Area, a gravel parking area down a rough and rutted dirt road, the trail heads north and follows a dusty single track use path that follows the bluff edge overlooking the waterway and passes a few swimming holes, eventually reaching the Rope Swing Day Use Area. 

Crossing through BLM land, the trail offers views of the Guadalupe Mountains in the distance, though this trail itself is straight New Mexico plains. A couple small foot paths lead down to the water, however in general the main path just traces a straight line headed north. 

Upon reaching another dirt parking area, the trail follows a double track north before ending at a final fenced in area, where an interpretive sign points the direction of a track heading down to the water's edge. A rope swing suspended from a tree marks this end point as a warm weather swimming hole. 

Hikers can retrace their route back to the parking area from here.

This trail sits on rural BLM land and there are no amenities of any kind located here, nor any shade. Visitors should be prepared for very little cel reception in this area.

Map of the Black River Recreation Area.