State: New Mexico Trailhead: Tunnel Vista Observation Site, Lincoln National Forest Park: Lincoln National Forest Length: 0.5 miles, out-and-back Fee: None // Living in the Chihuahuan Desert gets dry. The sun seems to shine too often, too bright, and the dusty glare of the Franklin mountains on baking days makes you wish for the reprieve of a single day of showers. There is water near El Paso. You just have to know where to look and have a liberal definition of "near." If you

State: New Mexico Trailhead Location: Approximately 2.5 miles beyond the Visitor Center Park: White Sands National Park Length: 1 mile, out-and-back Fee: Varies, see park details for discounts and passes // As a hiker who loves the challenge of distances and the high gypsum dunes, I almost passed this trail up the first time I visited the park. There are several draws to this short 1 mile jaunt. Firstly, it's family friendly and a short distance for those who aren't up for th

State: New Mexico Trailhead Location: 33.37601852, -108.84350586 Park: Gila National Forest Length: 5 miles, out-and-back Fee: None // Whitewater Canyon rises with sheer walls over the rushing waters of Whitewater Creek below. Most people seek out Glenwood, NM for a chance to hike the Catwalk National Recreation Trail. The views from Gold Dust Trail make the Catwalk pale in comparison. Although they are two different hiking experiences, very little compares in this area to th