Three Rivers -- is the river flowing? (Tularosa, White Sands: house, campground)

[Little rook]

Does anyone know if the river that comes down through Three Rivers Campground is currently flowing?

Thanks!

[TexasGabe]

I was there at the beginning of last May and there was what I would call a moderate flow in the river, even with no snow at all on Sierra Blanca peak. Certainly enough to make for great hiking. This year there was snow-pack on Sierra Blanca well into May, as well as an unusually wet spring and prodigious monsoon rains so far. So I would guess there is at least some flow, possibly even a strong one.

[joqua]

I've never known the section through the campground to dry up, even in the driest of years. Granted, it has at times been reduced to what more closely resembles a trickle, but there has always been some flow. Of course it doesn't last long once it hits the gravel/sand of the desert.

At this moment, it should be flowing as it hasn't in several years. Most of the other drainages on the mountain have been revived as well. For how long it will last...who knows!

[Little rook]

Yes, it was glorious in May. A delight and a balm. I am about to recommend it as a campsite for some out of staters, and wanted to not over-promise.

Thank you!

Dale

[joqua]

Originally Posted by Little rook

Yes, it was glorious in May. A delight and a balm. I am about to recommend it as a campsite for some out of staters, and wanted to not over-promise.

Thank you!

Dale

Even if the creek weren't flowing, it's a wonderful campsite with expansive views out over the Tularosa Basin and White Sands. I've never been there when more than a handful of campers and picnickers were there. The Forest Service does charge a fee nowadays, whereas once upon a time it was free. But then there have been many improvements made over the years too.

Tell the friends to not miss visiting the small nearby chapel. And I think the old ranch house is now a tourist attraction also. The Three Rivers Ranch had several notable/notorious owners over the years, including Albert Bacon Fall of Teapot Dome Scandal fame and the Cattle Queen of New Mexico, Susan McSween.