Southern Terminus & Shuttle
Book Your Ride, Water Caches, and More
Located in a remote area of the Chihuahuan desert on the border of Mexico and New Mexico, the southern terminus of the CDT (the “Crazy Cook” monument) can be difficult to access. CDTC offers a shuttle service to assist hikers interested in traveling along the southernmost sections of the CDT. Due to the new NDA, the shuttle pickup and dropoff location will be at Mengus Tank (CDT mile 2.2). Click here for more info on the NDA.
$175 per rider
Includes:
- Water cache service
- Free Holy Hiker Backpacking Bidet – generously donated by Holey Hiker
- Completion Certificate (upon completing the entire CDT)
- One-year membership to CDTC, which can be used to receive generous discounts from outdoor retailers such as Gossamer Gear, Six Moons Designs, Sawyer, Bear Vault, Town Shirt, and Mountainsmith.
- Riding the shuttle helps support local CDT communities in Southern New Mexico. 76% of all shuttle fees went to businesses and people in CDT communities in 2024. We utilize local drivers and businesses when possible.
Looking to be picked up at the southern terminus on the return trip?
Occasionally hikers opt to be picked up at Crazy Cook and driven to Lordsburg on the return trip.
$150 per rider
Includes all of the same benefits as above.
Why is the return trip cheaper?
The outgoing trip from Lordsburg to the southern terminus is very popular and often full, but the return trip back to Lordsburg is typcially empty. Thus we are offering a $25 reduced rate as an incentive for those that don’t mind hiking south from Lordsburg with pickup at the southern terminus. We hope this opens up seats and allows us to transport more hikers to and from the terminus without the need for additional vehicles and fuel. This will help keep the price and envirmomental impact down.
For service mid-May through March, rides are available by appointment. To make an appointment call 719-749-1234.
- Please book at least 7 days in advance.
- Two person minimum is required, maximum of 7 passengers.
- We will do out best to group solo hikers together.
New Mexico Bootheel Water Caches
Five water cache boxes are available for individuals to cache their own water on the CDT between the Crazy Cook monument and Lordsburg, NM. Be sure to label your water containers with your name and ETA if you plan to cache your own water.
For those taking the CDTC shuttle water caching is included as part of your shuttle fee. Each hiker is allotted 2 gallons of water per cache.
If you are not taking the CDTC shuttle be sure to arrange your water ahead of time. Please do not take water that is allocated for others, and do not leave food or trash in the water cache boxes.
CDTC offers water caching service for non-shuttle riders for $25 per from March 27th – May 13th, 2026.
For those taking the CDTC shuttle water caching is automatically included as part of your shuttle fee, you do not need to book water caching separately.
Locations of Water Cache Boxes:
- Cache 1: Sheridan Canyon cache box, 31.6124 N, 108.31332 W
- Cache 2: Highway 81 cache box, 31.73388 N, 108.41075 W
- Cache 3: Highway 9 cache box, 31.96518 N, 108.43988 W
- Cache 4: Highway 113 cache box, 32.08053 N, 108.55637 W
- Cache 5: Animas Rd. water cache box, 32.26283 N, 108.74166 W
Cache box locations can be found in the CDTC map set, CDTC interactive map, and FarOut Guides’ CDT app. You can also view a map of the water cache boxes and the route to the southern terminus here.
Directions to the Southern Terminus from Lordsburg, NM
Below is the recommended route from Lordsburg to the souther terminus. This route passes by water cache boxes 1-4 and is recommended if you plan to cache your own water. Please note – naviagation maps such as google maps may lead you on different routes that cross private property. Use the route described below.
From Lorgsburg:
- Take I-10 east for 11.6 miles
- Use exit 34, and take highway 113 south for 20.6 miles
- Turn left and take highway 9 towards Hachita for 15.4 miles
- Turn right and take highway 81 south for 10.8 miles
All roads beyond this point are dirt roads
- Turn left onto Hatchet Road and head east for 0.7 miles
- Turn right and continue on Hatchet Rd and head south for 2.1 miles
- Turn right onto Commodore Rd and head southwest for 3.3 miles (dirt road)
- Turn left and continue on Commodore Rd south – southeast for 15 miles until you reach water cache box #1
- Cross the wash and continue east on Commodore Rd for 3.8 miles
- Take a right and continue on Commodore rd at the cattle well and head south – southeast for 9.2 miles
- Take a left onto Crazy Cook Road and head east for 2.2 miles toward the US/Mexico border
- Take a left at the border and head north for approximatly 0.1 miles
Please note – The dirt road between the momument and NM 81 is rough and can wash out from flash floods. We do not recommend making this drive unless you have a high clearance vehicle with four wheel drive and good off-road tires. There is no cell reception in most of this area and making a tow expensive or difficult. If you have questions or concerns please contact [email protected].
Access to the CDT Southern Terminus
Access to the CDT Southern Terminus is now restricted due to the establishment of the New Mexico National Defense Area (NDA) along the US-Mexico Border
- The newly-established NDA includes: the southernmost 1.1 miles of the CDT, the Southern Terminus monument, and portions of Commodore and Crazy Cook Roads. (View map below.)
- Users must receive permission from the US Army at Fort Huachuca to access any portion of the NDA, including the CDT and southern terminus monument.
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The area that surrounds the southern terminus also includes New Mexico State Lands. If hikers intend to use NM State Lands as part of an alternative route, a permit can be obtained from the NM Office of Outdoor Recreation.
NDA Access Application Requirements
- Applicants must provide:
- A photo of a valid REAL ID (front and back for state issued driver’s licenses)
- Passport style photo
- Completed Fort Huachuca Access Request From
- All applicants are subject to a background check
- Applications can take 2-21 days to process. Once granted, a digital access badge will be emailed to you from the U.S. Army at Fort Huachuca
NDA Access Map
Shuttle FAQ
How Do I Reserve a Spot on the CDTC Southern Terminus Shuttle?
For shuttle dates between mid-March and May, you must make your reservation online via our booking system. We cannot take reservations by email or over the phone in order to ensure that our online system reflects the accurate number of available spots on any given day.
For shuttle dates outside of April – May, please email [email protected] or call 303-996-2759 for shuttle options. Please note that on-demand shuttles are subject to driver availability, and we may not be able to accommodate the exact date that you request.
How Far in Advance Do I to Make a Reservation?
Spring – Many popular spring shuttle dates fill up quickly. Reservations can be made on our website starting in November, and should be made at least two weeks in advance of your start date.
Outside of the spring season, those looking to schedule an on-demand shuttle should contact us ideally at least one week in advance of desired poickup date; southbound long-distance hikers should contact us with an estimated request date from Silver City, NM.
Where and When Does the Shuttle Pick Me Up?
Spring
Northbound hikers will be picked up at 6:15 AM 207 Shakespeare St. (behind Lordsburg Chamber of Commerce). Look for the CDTC Shuttle sign in the window of the building.
Southbound hikers will be picked up between 9:30 and 10 AM at the Southern Terminus Monument depending on road conditions/weather.
Fall
Call to arrange your pickup time. In general pickup times will be at 8am from Crazy Cook.
How Long is the Drive?
The ride between Lordsburg and the border takes approximately 3 hours.
How Many Hikers are in Each Shuttle?
CDTC operates the shuttle under a Special Use Permit with the BLM Las Cruces Field Office. Per our permit, we can drive a maximum of 12 hikers in two shuttles to the border each day.
Fall – A minimum of three and maximum of five hikers.
Can I Bring my Dog?
Unfortunately, no. Due to the close quarters of the shuttle vehicle and the possibility that other hikers may have allergies or a fear of dogs, we cannot allow dogs on the CDTC shuttle.
Cancelation Policy
Email [email protected] with your name and shuttle date so that we can open the seat to another hiker. We require at least 72-hours notice prior to your departure time in order to issue a refund.
What if I Have to Reschedule my Shuttle?
Contact the CDTC shuttle operations at [email protected] and we will try to reschedule you to a different date, pending availability.
What if the Date I Want is not Scheduled, or is Fully Booked?
If you are not willing or able to leave on a different date, you can hike southbound from Lordsburg to the southern terminus and take the scheduled shuttle back to Lordsburg. The return trip is rarely booked.
Can I Purchase Isobutane (Canister Fuel) in Lordsburg?
Isobutane (canister fuel) is commonly found at Saucedos Supermarket and the Hachita Food Mart in Hachita, NM. The shuttle will briefly stop daily at the Hachita Food Mart on the way to Crazy Cook for any last minute needs. Fuel is subject to availability and it is best to call ahead for current stock levels.
Saucedos Supermarket
810 Main St, Lordsburg, NM 88045
(575) 542-3472
Hachita Food Mart
4398 Railroad Ave, Hachita, NM 88040
(575) 436-6278
How To Hike In The Desert
The bootheel of New Mexico is hot, dry, and sits at about 4700′ above sea level. We recommend that you acclimate for at least one day before beginning your journey on the CDT in southern NM. Electrolytes will help your hydration. You will automatically lose water simply by spending time in the desert environment, and when you consider that you’ll be carrying a pack and hiking 15+ miles per day, most people need more than just water to keep them hydrated in this environment. Carry more water than you think you’ll need. To put it bluntly – a sore back and shoulders are much better than dehydration.
We suggest you hike early in the morning, take a siesta during the hottest portion of the day, and then hike a few more hours once the sun has begun to lower in the sky. This will help you conserve water, reduce sun exposure, and reduce the possibility of heat exhaustion.
Bring lots of sunscreen and SPF-resistant clothing. You may want to consider wearing a long-sleeved collared shirt and long pants, or carrying a reflective trekking umbrella to protect your skin. We also suggest that you wear gaiters to reduce the chance of blisters by keeping sand and grit out of your shoes.
Watch your step and be aware of the local residents — rattlesnakes, tarantulas, and scorpions all make their home here and are part of the Bootheel’s thriving ecosystem. Give them all some space when you see them and you’ll be fine. Like much of the CDT, the Bootheel is also home to lots of cows, as multi-use lands permit grazing along the trail. Give these cows their space, too, and don’t lingerat their water sources. Regardless of whether you’ve hiked around livestock elsewhere, take a couple of minutes and read our blog post about how to be respectful of livestock on the CDT before setting out on your adventure.
When selecting campsites along the trail, please do not camp directly next to water sources or caches. Local fauna depend on water sources overnight to drink, and may be startled by your presence, and avoiding creating worn, camped-in areas by water caches will help maintain the trail.
Are you in trouble?
Get to or stay at a water cache box. During April and May, volunteers, CDTC shuttle drivers, and thruhikers are regularly passing by the water caches. If you are near a road, get to the road and flag down the US Border Patrol. Border Patrol agents are aware of CDT hikers in the area and usually serve as search and rescue in the area. If you are able, call Border Patrol, as they are available 24/7 and will be the ones most likely to reach you first in the Bootheel. Then call 911 or the local non-emergency number (depending on your situation.)
We recommend you copy these numbers into your phone prior to your journey: Border Patrol Office: (575) 531-3010 | Hidalgo County Fire and Rescue: (575) 542-8272 (non-emergency) | Emergency: 911
Travel To Lordsburg
El Paso International Airport (TX) and Tucson International Airport (AZ) are both a 2.5 hour drive from Lordsburg, while Albuquerque International Sunport (NM) is 4.5 hours away. Advanced Air offers flights to the Grant County Airport in Silver City, NM, just over an hour from Lordsburg.
Ground Transportation
Amtrak Train Station
The Amtrak station in Lordsburg is a good option for those traveling from El Paso, Tucson, and Albuquerque.
Greyhound Bus Station
Greyhound Bus Lines travels daily to Lordsburg from El Paso, Tucson, and Albuquerque.
Lordsburg And Hachita Services
Lordsburg KOA
The KOA in Lordsburg is on the south side of I-10 as you walk into Lordsburg and .25 mile off of the trail. It has a group tent site area, 4 individual campsites, and cabins. All options allow for free wifi, showers, water, and are within walking distance to the post office, restaurants, the grocery store and other hotels. Reservations suggested.
Lordsburg Econo Lodge
The Econo Lodge is right along the CDT south of I-10 as you walk into Lordsburg. The manager is a CDT supporter and offers a special rate for CDT travelers. They have free wifi, continental breakfast, and will let you park a car here with a reservation and one night’s stay. Please make reservations directly with them to obtain the CDT hiker rate.
Post Office
Both Hachita and Lordsburg, NM, have US Post Offices and both accept mail drops for CDT hikers and riders.
Lordsburg Post Office – 401 Shakespeare St, Lordsburg, NM 88045; (575) 542-9601
Hachita Post Office – 26 B St, Hachita, NM 88040; (575) 483-2075
Parking
Individuals using the CDTC shuttle may park at the shuttle office for up to 7 days. You will need to complete a waiver upon dropping off your vehicle.
Many Lordsburg hotels offer free short term parking if you spend at least one night with them. Be sure to inquire at your hotel.