Leasburg Dam State Park at first view may not appear to offer much. There is not much shade because it is right out in the desert. However, there are many campsites with electric hook-ups and water, and a few dry campsites. It is advised that one reserve a site ahead of time because it is the first state park campsite available as one travels north along U.S. 25 from El Paso, TX. The campground has very good hiking trails, and when the spring rains come the cactus and desert flowers bloom.
This beautiful flowering plant is ocotillo, Fouquieria splendens, and has several common names, including coachwhip, candlewood, slimwood, desert coral, Jacob's staff, Jacob cactus, and vine cactus. However, it is not a true cactus.
We saw huge amounts of these plants growing in the median along U.S. 10 between Phoenix and Las Cruces. As we settled in Las Cruces, we began to notice them in many yards. We laughingly called them the New Mexico state tree.
This is an oven constructed for cooking that was used by the Native Americans that inhabited this area. A close-up inspection showed that it had been used at some time. From a distance, it reminded me of the giant termite mounds seen in Africa.
Here are some trail markers for trails to hike. I got up early and hiked most of them. Jacob loaned me his camera and I took numerous photos.
This is a typical pull through campsite with a beautiful yucca plant in bloom.
This a picture of our truck and travel trailer. This a typical campsite with water and electric hook-up. The weather was quite pleasant, and we enjoyed our stay.
We enjoyed a nice visit in the shade of the cabana. Notice the fire place grill available for outdoor cooking.
Pocca loved to go out for walks. He had adapted to his leash. This is not typical at Leasburg Dam State Park. You usually see dogs being walked. Leash laws are in place so if you have a pet be prepared.
Leasburg Dam State Park was one of the first parks we visited. We stayed there for two nights visiting our son, Jacob and his family, before I began my training at the Hypnotherapy of America in Albuquerque the summer of 2015.
When we returned in the spring of 2016, we camped there for two weeks while waiting for our house to be prepared for us to move in. We found many shrubs and cacti in bloom. I was able to identify a few of them, but many were unknown to me. Following are some pictures I would like to share.
This beautiful flower was actually in the back yard of a private residence just outside the park, but I had to include it. It is most likely Parry's agave, Agave parryi.
These may be Opuntia strigil, Marble fruit prickly pear, a.k.a. bearded prickly pear.
This beautiful barrel cactus was right across from our campsite. It is possibly an Arizona barrel cactus, Ferocactus wislizeni.
This beautiful cluster of cacti caught my eye. At first I thought they were barrel cacti, but after checking online, I think they are likely Fendlars hedgehog, Echinocereus fendleri.
I think this is a slim footed agave, Agave gracilepes.
This beautiful tree in full bloom stands next to the visitor's center.
Here is a close-up picture of the blossoms on the tree next to the visitor's center.
The park ranger informed us that we could save considerable money by purchasing an annual camping pass. Resident seniors pay $100. Non-residents pay $250. Once you have the pass you only need to pay $4 per night for an electrical hook up, and $8 if it includes sewer. Dry camp sites are free. It did not take long for us to save the equivalent on our camping adventures.
As we continued our trip towards Gallup, New Mexico, we encountered beautiful rock formations. We even saw an arch, to our surprise. We had visited the Arches National Monument. This arch was nothing in comparison, but it was pleasing to see it along our route.
This rock formation appears to be Ship Rock Volcanic Neck (diatreme), Navajo Field, north western New Mexico The sky was very hazy on this part of the trip, but the view is still spectacular.
The next picture may be that of Cathedral Cliff volcanic neck (a.k.a. Table Mesa Plug). If one of my followers has a correction on any of these photos, I will appreciate your comments and suggestions.
