Basics
- Type:
- Other
Description
70 miles of the Arizona-New Mexico border are marked by the Peloncillo Mountains, a rocky, arid range that contains within its length both tall peaks and gentle, gradual slopes and hills. The mountains are a crossroads not only between the extremes of summits and valleys, but between different kinds of flora and fauna. The species of the dry Chihuahua and Great Plains can be found here, as can the species of the Sonora and Sierra Madre. Even species from Mexico travel here. It's not unknown to see a jaguar among the mountains. Cacti is rarely more diverse and birding rarely so species extensive as this. One plant in the empty lake beds of the Lordsburg Playas, the Griffith's saltbrush, only exists two other places in the world.
Hikers will enjoy combing the miles and miles of raw wilderness. Grey Mountain, rising over 6,700 feet above the surrounding landscape, is the tallest mountain in the range, and the limestone and granite formations on Granite Mountain make it an intriguing landmark. The white-duned Lordsburg Playas, the volcanic-tuffed King Mountain, and the bird-rich Guadalupe Canyon are also popular destinations. Rock-climbers and geologists also love the range, for obvious reasons.
Hours + Fees
Hours:
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Map + Directions
Basic Directions
- From I-10
- Take Steins exit 3 (near the border between Arizona and New Mexico)
- Drive CR A012 for three miles north until you see the Lordsburg Playas on the east side of the road.
- Or continue ten miles northward of I-10 until you reach the intersection of CR A015 with A013. This is the southern boundary of the wilderness.
- Or continue 12 miles north of I-10. You'll reach an intersection between CR A013 and A020. This is the north boundary of the Playas and another access point to the park.
Currently, there's no public access to Grey Peak and Guadalupe Canyon.
