San Lorenzo Canyon

San Lorenzo Canyon is an awesome desert canyon near Socorro, but getting there can be tricky. The roads are not well marked, there are lots of dirt tracks branching off in different directions, and some sections have deep gravel where a regular car can get stuck.

For the easiest route, put 34.222995, -106.922238 into maps and take I-25 to the turnoff. You’ll pass under a 14.4-foot overpass. Keep driving straight on the main road, which is much better than the deeper gravel roads nearby. Continue to 34.226804, -106.955037, where you’ll see a welcome sign and cattle guard. From there, stay on the road and it will lead you toward the mouth of the canyon.

There are several trails in the area, along with plenty of good primitive camping spots. Do not enter the canyon if it has rained recently, since flash flooding can happen. Otherwise, San Lorenzo Canyon is a fun, completely free place to explore, hike, walk around, or camp.