Black River Recreation Area

Black River Recreation Area is a 1,200 acre low-impact recreation and environmental education area managed by the Bureau of Land Management. It maintains a healthy river system and riparian habitat. This river corridor acts as a transition zone between the limestone foothills of the Guadalupe Escarpment and the southern gypsum soils to the east. Several […]

County Road 418 Carlsbad NM 88220 88220 USA

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Black River Recreation Area

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Black River Recreation Area

_{County Road 418, Carlsbad, NM 88220}

Black River Recreation Area is a 1,200 acre low-impact recreation and environmental education area managed by the Bureau of Land Management. It maintains a healthy river system and riparian habitat. This river corridor acts as a transition zone between the limestone foothills of the Guadalupe Escarpment and the southern gypsum soils to the east. Several spring-fed pools within the area make up the headwaters of the Black River. The area includes a series of deep, elongated pools interconnected by a shallow, narrow stream.

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The Black River, a desert spring in the Chihuahuan Desert, is home to uncommon types of plants, fish, and reptiles in and around the waterway. The range overflows with fowls, including waterfowl, shorebirds, and larks. Feathered creature populations in this little region vary day by day and seasonally. Guests may watch green-supported herons, orchard orioles, yellow-charged cuckoos, and roadrunners. Lavish desert vegetation and clear pools of water give brilliant chances to survey untamed life.

The recreation area includes the Cottonwood Day Use Area, incorporating a natural life seeing stage, outdoor tables, and a restroom. There is a parking area roughly 500 feet from the water’s edge. Guests can appreciate climbing, hiking, fishing, wildlife, and picnicking (drinking water not accessible).

Open year-round and admission is free. The trails and recreation area are for day-use only. Facilities include restrooms and picnic tables.