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BLM Designated CDT Route
in Southern New Mexico
NM SR 81 to NM SR 9
Additional bootheel information (March 2009) :
We drove through the Hachita/Lordsburg area in mid-March 2008 and found that the BLM-designated CDT route had been relocated. The CDT now crosses Rte 81 three miles south of the crossing indicated on the map below. The trail diverges from the indicated route near a windmill (water source 5 on the map) and heads cross-country toward the road (NM SR 81). The relocated route now bypasses water sources 5, 6, 7 and 8. The results of the Backpacker mapping project generated a map that shows the relocation. It can be found here: Backpacker Crazy Cook to NM SR9 map
Our maps will NOT be updated at this time. We may update the maps at a later date.
BE WARNED: water sources 5, 6 and 7 were reported to be dry in May 2008. This could be a temporary situation due to the cattle being removed OR it could be permanent. Either way, if the windmill (water source 5 on the map) is dry, then this becomes at least a 27.6 mile dry section from Sheridan Canyon tank (DON'T miss it!!) to the timer operated windmill (water source 9).
The drive to Crazy Cook Monument goes right by the water source 5 windmill- check it on the way in. If it's dry, it would be good to leave a water cache here. Those who know my negative opinion of water caches will realize the seriousness of this statement. Even if the windmill (Water source 5) is not dry, the next "on-trail" water source would be 17 miles north at the timer-operated windmill (water source 9) - assuming it's still working.
An alternative plan would be to either head cross-country or walk 3 miles up the road (north) on NM SR to the windmill designated water source 8, located just south of the Granite Pass Road intersection on the east side of the road. The windmill is behind a locked gate. To get back to the trail from this windmill, the Granite Pass road is a short walk north on SR 81. Walking west on Granite Pass road will get you back to the trail. Except for the Rt 81/Granite Pass Road intersection, the old CDT signs are still in place on Granite Pass Road. This WAS the trail in 2006.
The relocated CDT is a cross-country route from a gate on Rt 81 to its intersection with Granite Pass Road, which is at the same point as that indicated on the NM SR81 to NM SR9 map. Water sources along the relocated route are unknown and assumed to be non-existent until proven otherwise.
Bottom line: Follow the signs, plan for long waterless sections and don't hesitate to go "off-trail" for water if necessary.This is the second of the maps for the Designated route for the CDT (Continental Divide Trail) between the Crazy Cook Monument on the Mexican border and Silver City, New Mexico. This map covers the trail between NM SR 81 and NM SR 9 (about 19 miles). This section of the trail closely follows the Westcliffe Guidebook route.
In April 2006, this section of the trail was marked for about the first 12 miles by 8"x8" white metal signs with the CDT logo, followed by several miles of pink and orange ribbons, and then older Carsonite posts out to NM SR 9.
Some of the trail markings were somewhat unorthodox (see pictures).
We were told that the BLM intended to mark more of the route with 8"x8" white metal signs during the summer of 2006. This may or may not have happened.
If you find the marking to be different, please let us know so we can so inform those hikers who follow you.
On this map, the yellow line is the CDT. As with all the pictures, if you want the "full-size" view, click on it.
Water sources are marked by a blue dot, with an identifying tag to the northeast of the location for each blue dot. There was only one water source in this section - a windmill with a timer and an associated, but not very appetizing pond. Don't miss it - it's another 12 miles to the next reliable water source.
Created: Thurs, 1 Nov 2007
Revised: 15 Nov 2009Copyright © 2007-2009 Spirit Eagle
