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BLM Designated CDT Route
in Southern New Mexico
Crazy Cook Monument to NM SR 81
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 first of the maps for the Designated route of the CDT (Continental Divide Trail) between the Crazy Cook Monument on the Mexican border and Silver City, New Mexico. The route indicated here was the route we walked in 2006. With one large exception, the route is the same as described in Segment 1 of the Westcliffe CDT Trail Guide. The exception is that the trail no longer goes over the ridge between Sheridan Canyon and Thompson Canyon. Rather it returns to the desert floor and follows the road north along the Big Hatchet Range past Thompson Canyon.
The Crazy Cook map covers the trail between Crazy Cook Monument and New Mexico SR (State Road) 81 - about 28 miles. In April 2006, the trail was marked for this entire section by 8"x8" white metal signs with the CDT logo. (See the picture on the previous page).
If you find the marking to be different, please let us know so we can so inform those hikers who follow you.
On the "Crazy Cook Monument" map: The yellow line is the CDT. The "pink" line is the driving route from NM SR 81 to the southern terminus of the CDT at the Crazy Cook Monument. 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 are a number of potential water sources on this section of the trail. The windmill at Sheridan Canyon is NOT - repeat NOT - "on-trail" nor is it visible from the trail. It's up Sheridan Canyon about 1/4 mile. Follow the cow trails. The side trail to the windmill is marked by a small cairn. Most other water sources are visible from the trail.
The Thompson Canyon windmill is not presently in operation. In fact, the stone cistern at the windmill appeared to be broken.
Created: Thurs, 1 Nov 2007
Revised: 15 Nov 2009Copyright © 2007-2009 Spirit Eagle
