Traversing nearly 3.8 miles of the Jornada del Muerto, the Yost Draw section of El Camino Real today is one of the best-preserved portions of the trail. A short climb east on the interpretive trail brings hikers to an overlook from where the trail’s south-north path comes into view. This trail is managed by the Las Cruces Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management.
Traversing nearly 3.8 miles of the Jornada del Muerto, the Yost Draw section of El Camino Real today is one of the best-preserved portions of the trail. A short climb east on the interpretive trail brings hikers to an overlook from where the trail’s south-north path comes into view. This trail is managed by the Las Cruces Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management.
It is one of the most arid and dangerous, yet also exciting and picturesque sections of El Camino Real, crossing more than 144 kilometers of desert. This route was created as a shortcut that reduced travel days by avoiding the more difficult path along the Rio Grande; however, it is the longest stretch without water, firewood, or forage, under scorching heat.
Despite these risks, the Jornada del Muerto was a main route for trade and transportation between Mexico and New Mexico, as before the arrival of the railroad, it was the only way to transport heavy loads.
Today, it is one of the best-preserved parts of the trail; its paths, vegetation, and deep arroyos remain clearly defined. Additionally, bilingual interpretive exhibits have been installed along the route.
Amidst the breathtaking panoramic views offered by the slope, Spaceport America, the new commercial space travel hub, can be found.
