Trans-America Trail — Hachita to Lordsburg via the New Mexico Boot Heel Desert Flats
Emptiest corner of America. No mercy, no crowds.
The New Mexico Boot Heel is one of the quietest stretches of the entire Trans-America Trail — a GPS track that crosses the US from coast to coast on as much dirt as Sam Correro could find. The Hachita to Lordsburg segment runs through Hidalgo County, one of the least populated counties in the continental US, across high desert rangeland at around 4,500 feet. You’ll pass the ghost town remnants of Playas — a town that was actually a copper smelter company town, bought wholesale by the federal government after 9/11 and converted into a domestic terrorism training facility. The roads are mostly two-track ranch and county dirt, dry and fast in good conditions, but crossing Playas Valley the alkali flats can turn to glue after rain. Fuel and water planning is non-negotiable — Lordsburg and Deming are your anchors, and there’s nothing reliable between them on the TAT line.
Difficulty sits at moderate for most of this segment — stock 4WD with decent clearance handles it in dry weather. The real risk is heat and isolation in summer; this is rattlesnake and scorpion country, and a breakdown here means a long wait. Best season is October through April. Cell service is essentially nonexistent once you leave the I-10 corridor. Carry multiple days of water, a full-size spare, and a recovery kit. The Boot Heel rewards patience — you’ll cross a corner of America that most people drive past at 80 mph without knowing it exists.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 68 mi / 109 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4800 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Lordsburg, NM |
| Land manager | BLM Las Cruces District / Hidalgo County / Private Ranch Land |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Trans-America Trail official site BLM Las Cruces District |
| Verified | |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner run this section without modifications?
Yes, a stock high-clearance 4WD handles it fine. The terrain is mostly flat desert two-track and gravel ranch roads — nothing technical — but ground clearance matters when ruts dry hard in summer. Aired-down tires help with washboard.
What months should I avoid, and why?
May through September is brutal — triple-digit heat, monsoon flooding on the flats, and zero shade for 68 miles. October through April is the window; winter days are mild but nights drop hard, so plan for freezing temps if you're camping.
Do I need any permits to drive through here?
No permit required for the BLM and county road portions. Some sections cross private ranch land — stay on the marked TAT route and don't open gates you found closed. No fees.
What's the hardest part of this segment and what actually makes it tough?
The difficulty isn't technical obstacles — it's the remoteness and navigation. Unmarked intersections on ranch two-tracks will get you lost without a GPS loaded with the TAT route. A breakdown out here means a very long walk; carry a sat communicator.
How far is the nearest gas, and is there any water along the route?
Fuel up in Lordsburg or Hachita before you start — there is nothing in between. There is no reliable water on the route either; carry at minimum 4 gallons per person for a 1-2 day crossing in this desert.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.