Nogal: Discover Mining History and Forest Landscapes

Nogal combines the history of mining with the landscape of the Lincoln National Forest. The Nogal Mining District surrounds the community, encompasses the area between Nogal and Nogal Peak, and lies mostly within the national forest. For you, this means a trip where historic sites and trails through a striking forest and mountain landscape stand side by side.

Mining History Around Nogal

The history of the community dates back to the 19th century. In 1865, placer gold was discovered near Nogal, which was then called Dry Gulch. Three years later, Billy Gill’s discovery of a quartz vein contributed to the founding of the community of Nogal and the Nogal Mining District. In addition to gold, silver, copper, and lead were also mined in this district. This development shaped not only the extraction of ores but also the emergence of communities in the border region.

The Parsons Mine, also known as Hopeful Lode, is particularly extensive. Its site north of Forest Road 108 contains four adits, an open-pit mine, large waste-rock piles, and two prospect shafts. The Parsons Mine is significant as a mining and ore-processing site because it contributed to regional developments in settlement and economic growth. It also provides insights into early mining technologies and the communities that emerged around these mines.

All phases of ore extraction and ore processing can be recognized at the mining sites of the Nogal Mining District. At the Parsons Mine, two prospect shafts, four adits, three steam boilers, numerous concrete foundations and metal pipes, an ore separator, a water catchment basin, a metal safe, cyanide waste piles, as well as smaller remnants and scattered artifacts have been preserved. Among the 13 known types of ore-extraction and ore-processing sites in the district, the Parsons Mine is considered the best-preserved example of both types of facility.

Water Engineering, Settlement History, and Landscape

Another trace of regional development is the Bonito Pipeline, also known as the EPSW Rwy Water Supply System. When it was built, it was the longest railroad water pipeline in New Mexico; the line was laid in 1908 by the El Paso and Southwestern Railway. Nogal Lake lies three miles southeast of the community of Nogal and served as a nearby storage location for the pipeline’s water. The Bonito Pipeline is listed under Nogal in Lincoln County in the overview of state- and nationally registered properties in New Mexico; the dates January 20, 1978, and November 21, 1979, are recorded there.

Those who want to combine nature with local history can include the Nogal Canyon Trail in their travel plans. The trail soon leads from the scrubland to a large meadow bounded by Nogal Peak. From there, it offers expansive views across the slopes and panoramic vistas. The trailhead is accessible via FR108 from FR107, the Rio Bonito Road. A vehicle with high ground clearance and possibly four-wheel drive may be required for this approach. Take this into account when choosing your excursions and planning your holiday apartment in Nogal.

The history of the surrounding area also includes the adobe house built by the Aguayo family in 1917, along with its outbuildings and associated landscape, as well as the abandoned community of Parsons. Parsons existed from 1888 to 1926 and had several hundred residents and various businesses. For families who enjoy combining historical stories with landscape experiences, this creates different areas of focus: you can explore mining, early settlement activity, water engineering, or the trail through Nogal Canyon.

Choose the Right Starting Point

When looking for accommodation, you should first decide which aspect of Nogal will shape your trip. If your focus is on the historic mining sites and settlement history, cultural history will be at the center of your visit. If you plan to include the Nogal Canyon Trail, however, the approach via FR107 and FR108, as well as the possible need for a vehicle with high ground clearance, will be part of your preparations. A holiday apartment or holiday home in Nogal can therefore serve as the starting point for a trip whose daily activities you divide between historical discoveries and landscape experiences.

For your further search, you can also look at Capitan, Ruidoso, Alto, Carrizozo and Ruidoso Downs.

For the main travel overview: Lincoln.