There is a small Visitor Center at the Ranger Station (where you self-pay the day-use fee of $5/vehicle), but it was not open at the time we visited on a Saturday morning.
There are developed (electric hookups, water source, dump station) and primitive campsites at the park. Boat ramps and docks provide lake access for boating and fishing.
Our hike began at the trail next to the Visitor Center. This roadrunner ran across the road as we were approaching the trailhead. The trail goes through the arid Chichuahuan Desert where yucca plants, creosote bushes, and other cacti thrive.
Our sweet doggie, Sadie, was very curious about all of the burrows under the creosote bushes, wanting to stop to sniff them all. That is, until she spotted this Texas jack rabbi (actually a member the hare family).
Jack rabbits can run up to 30 mph! We saw lots of them here but catching one at rest is the only way I could get a decent photo of one. As we continued through the desert, we came upon our first view of Brantley Lake (in the distance).
The trail crosses East Brantley Park Road and enters the Limestone Campground. Shelters with picnic tables can be found at each site.
From the campground we picked up the Lake Loop Trail. This area is known as the Sand Hills due to the shifting sand that is several inches to 60’ deep in various places. Desert plants with extensive root systems survive are the only ones that can survive here. And we saw several more roadrunners in the park, including this one on trail sign.
The trail continues down to the lake where we saw various types of boats on the lake. Flowers in bloom are always a treat in the desert.
When we reached the shore, Sadie jumped right in for a swim.
After exploring the area, we continued our hike through a desert arroyo next to the lake. Flowers and green plants were a sharp contrast to the surrounding desert terrain.
On our hike back to our car at the Visitor Center, we spotted two more jack rabbits at rest. Check out those ears! We also saw lots of cotton tail rabbits, although they are so skilled at camouflaging themselves it can be difficult to find them. Meanwhile, Sadie just keeps sniffing around and sticking her head into any hole she can find!
Our last stop in the park was at the East Side Area overlook.
From this point we had a great view of both the Brantley Dam and a boat launch.and dock (one of two in the park).
It was great to find a dog-friendly area to hike in Carlsbad, NM. We enjoyed it very much. For additional information about the park, go to www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/brantleylakestatepark.
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