The "Big Tree"The Grant County Trails Group is planning a community hike to the Big Tree on Sunday, February 21, 2016, from 1:00 to 3:00p.m. The trail to the big tree is approximately two miles (four miles round-trip). Directions from Silver City: Follow U.S. Highway 180 E. to Santa Clara and make a left hand turn (north) at the traffic light onto the Fort Bayard Medical Center access road. Make a right hand turn towards the "Old" Fort Bayard Hospital and stay to the right passing the old hospital. Travel approximately two miles. Make a left (near the ranger station) and you will see the Fort Bayard Recreation Site Trailhead parking lot on the right hand side of the road.

The Big Juniper Tree is nationally ranked as the second largest Alligator Juniper Tree. The tree's diameter is 70.2 in, circumference is 18 ft. 4 in, crown spread is 62 ft., and height is 63 ft. The Big Juniper Tree is located on lands previously utilized as part of the historic Fort Bayard Military Reservation. For more information regarding this hike please contact Michele Giese, #575-538-8573 (121).