One landowner in New Mexico, Paul Bangas, of the CDT Gateway Community of Cuba, is helping CDT travelers by sharing part of his Eureka Mesa Ranch where he lives and makes his living.
With this inspiration and desire to help travelers, Mr. Bangas is opening up a “hiker oasis” along the Eureka Mesa road, just off the CDT north of Cuba. He has also been a Trail Angel to travelers on the Appalachian Trail when living in North Carolina. The 5-acre oasis outside of Cuba will include a lake stocked with trout and bass and water, electricity for charging, trash cans, picnic tables, and lodging for trail users to enjoy. He expects the full oasis to be open for the northbound thru-hiking season. This year, he has provided trail magic with cold drinks and a place to rest. Just look for the “Hikers Welcome” sign north of the Highway 126 road walk on Eureka Mesa Road at the second cattleguard. He asks that all travelers enjoy and respect the oasis, lands, and livelihoods along the CDT.
Sections of the CDT route pass through private lands via easements or rights of way along public roads. When traveling through these sections, please respect the private land and livelihoods of the landowners. After you pass through, they will still be there. Please follow these practices:
- Do not litter!
- Clean up after yourself and be respectful when visiting businesses, public spaces, and private lands
- Stay on the public roads and trails. Do not go onto private property without permission or an invitation. This is trespassing and could have legal consequences.
- Do not cut fences on private property or public lands. Livestock get through cut fences and cost the rancher a lot of money and time to recover them. They can also cause safety issues on the roads, livestock and automobiles don’t play well together.
- Wave and say hello to those you meet along the way. Folks live and steward along the Divide landscape every day.
Camp Oasis photos by Carey Kish, other photos by CDTC staff.
