The Box Recreation Area

Hiking area · Socorro County ·

The Box Recreation Area

Hiking area · Socorro County ·

Rock climbing, bouldering, camping, caves, stargazing

Information

US-60, Socorro, NM 87801 Get directions

@travelleisure

28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

Jeff Jenkins of 'Chubby Diaries' Has Redefined Travel for All Body Types, and His New TV Show Is About to Inspire the World

"A rugged canyon in Socorro, New Mexico, this dramatic, steep-walled gorge is used for technical outdoor adventures; in a National Geographic travel-documentary segment a content creator rappelled there to confront his fear of heights, turning the descent into a tense, personal-test moment that highlights the canyon’s challenging terrain and its appeal for adrenaline-focused experiences." - Michael Cappetta Michael Cappetta Michael Cappetta is a travel writer with over 10 years of experience in journalism and television news. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/jeff-jenkins-never-say-never-nat-geo-tv-travel-show-7510232

The Box Recreation Area

Jillian B.

Google

Very easy drive from Socorro in a 2WD vehicle and a must see. The canyon and boulders are beautiful. It’s free, the parking area is right beside the canyon entrance to walk directly inside. 10/10 must see.

Bonnie K.

Google

It was pretty hot when I stopped so I only hiked out a bit. It's an interesting canyon and looks like a few caves. I would love to spend a whole day here to explore.

Anna L. C.

Google

I’m not a rock climber, so I can’t address those concerns. I just like to camp there in my van, overnight, when I’m driving long stretches on Rt 60. It’s quiet, beautiful, has restrooms, and mostly level parking. You don’t have to get too far back (on dirt or gravel roads) to get completely away from the road noise. There are multiple BLM dispersed camping areas further back in the hills.

McKenzie H.

Google

Incredible camping spot! One of the best I’ve been to in New Mexico. Dope caves to explore, bats which fly out at dusk, cows in the nearby creosote, overall a great spot! Free too with restroom access on site.

Alexis C.

Google

I've visited twice in the past few months. Beautiful area. Great for camping, hiking, photography and rock climbing. However, be mindful that the campsites and hiking trails further into the park can become inaccessible after heavy rains. I dumped my RV tanks in Socorro both times.

rebecca L.

Google

Another great free recreation and camping area in New Mexico ! Plenty of room for my 32ft class c. Level parking and restrooms. Explore caves, climb rocks, hike trails .. this place is amazing. Visited in early March. Not busy at all. Parking lot is not huge so I am sure it might be difficult to find parking for a large motorhome or rv during busier months.

Jeff V.

Google

I explore more than "hike". This area has multiple small caves with varied lengths, altitudes, and diameters. The longest cave is probably 45'. The climb to any of the caves is steep, but achievable by most people if you take your time, use switchbacks to ascend/descend, and wear good footwear. People car/rv camp at the trailhead, there is no bathroom facility. It can be more popular than ideal if you want solitude while exploring. Still, good for pictures. There's a archeological significance to the large high caves just northeast from the trailhead. I suggest dusk or dawn for ideal lighting and temperatures.

Georgina E.

Google

This a go to place for us. You can find some little hikes which would lead you to some small caves in the mountain. You can see different kind of geologic formation in this area. If you are interested in climbing you can do some here. We often go for star gazing and you can see the Milky Way if the sky is clear.

@travelleisure

28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

Jeff Jenkins of 'Chubby Diaries' Has Redefined Travel for All Body Types, and His New TV Show Is About to Inspire the World

https://www.travelandleisure.com/jeff-jenkins-never-say-never-nat-geo-tv-travel-show-7510232

The Box Recreation Area

Jillian B.

Google

Bonnie K.

Google

It was pretty hot when I stopped so I only hiked out a bit. It's an interesting canyon and looks like a few caves. I would love to spend a whole day here to explore.

Anna L. C.

Google

McKenzie H.

Google

Alexis C.

Google

rebecca L.

Google

Jeff V.

Google

Georgina E.

Google

The Box Recreation Area

Information

Postcards

Media

Jeff Jenkins of 'Chubby Diaries' Has Redefined Travel for All Body Types, and His New TV Show Is About to Inspire the World

You might also like

Jeff Jenkins of 'Chubby Diaries' Has Redefined Travel for All Body Types, and His New TV Show Is About to Inspire the World