Oliver Lee State Park Alamogordo

Oliver Milton Lee came to the Tularosa Basin in 1893 from Buffalo Gap and homesteaded just south of Dog Canyon about 7 miles south of Alamogordo. The town wasn't created until 1898 when the El Paso and Northeastern Railroad was extended to the area.

In addition to the  ranch house, Lee constructed barns, corrals, reservoir, and slaughterhouse. He also devised an ingenious irrigation system to bring water from Dog Canyon to the ranch. The ranch is open to tours, but not at the time of our visit.

I opted to check out the nature trail, even though the morning temp had already reached 80 plus. 

Alvin took one look at this sign and opted to remain by the visitor center and watch the hoards of Black-chinned Hummingbirds clash over the feeder. 

 The trail follows along the edge of the canyon stream bed

 and before long I reached the shade and cooler temps.

Striped lizards were the only reptiles encountered on the trail.

 A shady glen invited a picnic,













where remnants of Lee's irrigation system remain visible.

 The running water in the bottom of the canyon offered a welcome respite from the summer heat and the dry air of the camp ground.  Dense vegetation filled the space between the rocks.

This gnarled tree trunk must have witnessed some exciting events. 

 The rocky hillside above the canyon was stark contrast

to the riparian abundance below. A Blue Grosbeak sang loudly from this cottonwood tree. 

This seemed like a perfect lookout for the numerous former inhabitants of the area; Paleoindians from 9800-5500 BC, Archaic cultures 5500 BC - 200 AD, Jornada Mogollon 200-1400, and Mescalero Apache from 1400. Archeological evidence has confirmed this human habitation. 

This handsome fellow accompanied me on the walk back to the visitor center. 

Millipedes were also abundant and gigantic. I didn't pick one up to see it curl up into a defensive ball and deposit yellow musk in my hand. Been there, done that. Don't need to do it again.

Canyon Towhee atop the visitor center. 

Don't know the name of this majestic peak.

Curve-billed Thrasher panting in the shade of the yucca is a testament to the temperature. 

The westward edge of the Sacramento Mountains, a dramatic escarpment I'm sure seemed daunting to early settlers. Cathey Peak is near this area with an elevation of 9645', almost the highest point in the range. 

Near the northern edge of the Chihuahuan Desert, we can find many of the same species of plants and animals we're accustomed to in Midland.

This vantage point gives an excellent view of the Tularosa Basin, 6500 square miles encompassing the White Sands and the Carrizozo Malpais lava flows. 

The park covers 640 acres at an altitude of 4363', a fitting tribute to a colorful character who played an important role in the early days of settlement. He served as a State Senator, was closely allied with Albert B. Fall of the TEapot Dome Scandal, and is purported to have engaged in a gunfight with Pat Garrett. While summer temps are ghastly, the park is certainly worth the drive and the time for exploration. One of my favorite destinations whenever we are in the area.