Lush isn’t the first adjective that people use to describe New Mexico. However, despite our state’s arid reputation, there’s a surprising amount of greenery throughout the Land of Enchantment. When the creek waters are gushing, this one oasis in Silver City makes you think you’ve been transported to a fantasyland. Possibly even to Middle Earth!
Big Ditch is hardly an evocative name for a park. It certainly doesn’t reflect the beauty of this special place, which is reminiscent of Rivendell.
The way that the tree limbs bow over the water creates a tunnel of greenery. It isn't hard to imagine this as a passage leading to someplace magical.
Depending on rainfall, the creek fluctuates between trickling and cascading over the rocks.
For the best view of the creek, head to the bridge and peer over the edge.
A canopy of trees spreads out below you.
If you wait long enough, maybe you'll spy an elf!
However enchanting this park is now, it was actually born from disaster. You see, the Big Ditch was once Silver City’s Main Street.
At the end of the 19th century, severe flooding washed away the street, carving this trench. Instead of filling it in, the city converted it into a park.
The upper levels of Big Ditch Park are fully accessible.
If you’d like, clamber down the stairs to get closer to the rocky boulders of the creek.
Bird song often fills the air, and the shade provided by the trees makes this a lovely spot for a picnic.
The park isn’t big; the walkways run for only a few blocks. However, it's part of a planned green corridor that will eventually stretch for 10 miles. Until then, you can enjoy this magical, if elf-sized, spot!
Big Ditch Riverwalk Park is located at 104 E. Market Street in Silver City.
For other places in New Mexico that seem out of this world, see our previous article: "15 Places In New Mexico You Thought Only Existed In Your Imagination."
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