Fighting off lions is a tough and dangerous thing.  The closest equivalent in southern New Mexico is climbing up Cookes Peak, located midway between Hatch and Deming off of state highway 26.


01.  The Nemean Lion - Cookes Peak

The Twelve Labors of Hercules:  Labor One

In New Mexico, snakes are a constant threat when out geocaching.  Luckily, we don't have to deal with the hydra.  On this cache up Baylor Peak (just east of Las Cruces near the Aguirre Springs recreation area), listen very closely- just in case that rattle is coming from a multi-headed snake.


02.  The Hydra - Baylor Peak

The Twelve Labors of Hercules:  Labor Two

No need to hunt any deer to find this cache.  This cache can be reached by hiking up Bishop Cap south of Las Cruces.


03.  The Cerynitian Hind - Bishop Cap

The Twelve Labors of Hercules:  Labor Three

Carrizo Peak is the farthest north of the Hercules labors, near Carrizozo (at the intersections of Highways 380 and 54).  This cache is probably best suited for the summer, unlike many of the other Hercules caches.  Any other time of year, especially in winter, might be challenging due to snow and ice.  


04. The Erymanthian Boar - Carrizo Peak

The Twelve Labors of Hercules:  Labor Four

Squaw Mountain is an overlooked peak in the Organ Mountains east of Las Cruces.  It's located between the Dripping Springs park and the Soledad Canyon Recreation area.


05.  The Augean Stables - Squaw Mountain

The Twelve Labors of Hercules:  Labor Five

The most difficult of the Hercules caches to date, Florida Peak provides a very difficult climbing challenge during the last 30 vertical feet.  It might be recommended to have rope for this one, unless you happen to be a bird.  Then this cache would be easy to get to.


06. The Stymphalian Birds - Florida Peak

The Twelve Labors of Hercules:  Labor Six

Robledo Peak sits at the northern end of the Mesilla Valley, near Radium Springs and Leasburg Dam State Park.


07.  The Cretan Bull - Robledo Peak

The Twelve Labors of Hercules:  Labor Seven

Out in this area, you're more likely to see cattle than horses.  At least you won't have to fend any off on this hike in the Franklin Mountains off of Highway 404 near Anthony in the southern part of Doña Ana County.


08.  The Mares of Diomede - North Anthony's Nose

The Twelve Labors of Hercules:  Labor Eight

If the belt was on top of Anthony's Nose, it might have been more difficult than trying to steal it from the Amazonians as Hercules did.  The trip up to Anthony's Nose is met with difficult route finding (if you don't find a good route, it will be difficult to accomplish), steep terrain, and vicious vegetation.  It's located in the north end of the Franklin Mountains outside El Paso, TX and is the only Labor of Hercules not in New Mexico.

09.  Hippolyte's Belt - Anthony's Nose

The Twelve Labors of Hercules:  Labor Nine

I'm not sure many cattle make it on the trail through Rabbit Ears Canyon, but you might see some when you start your hike out on Rock House Mine road.  The Rabbit Ears Plateau is steep towards the end, but is much more approachable than going to the Rabbit Ears themselves (no equipment is needed).  The Plateau is located in the Organ Mountains, south of Baylor Peak and north of the Needles.


10.  Cattle of Geryon - Rabbit Ears Plateau

The Twelve Labors of Hercules:  Labor Ten

These are some apples to try and obtain.  Luckily, you won't have to hold any large pillars on this quest.  You will have to do some some basic rock climbing, which might require technical assistance/gear to complete the journey.  The Organ Needle is the highest point in the Organ Mountains and makes this one Labor to strive for, for that alone.


11.  The Apples of the Hesperides - Organ Needle

The Twelve Labors of Hercules:  Labor Eleven

This Labor isn't quite Hades, but it is extremely remote and might feel like it at times (especially if you do this in the summer).  Cox Peak is located in the southern part of Dona Ana County, roughly halfway between El Paso, TX and Columbus, NM.


12.  The Capture of Cerberus - Cox Peak

The Twelve Labors of Hercules: Labor Twelve

13.  Hercules Comes Home - Mystery location

The Twelve Labors of Hercules: Hercules Comes Home

These are caches created by weeds19 to seriously challenge individuals crazy enough to attempt them, both physically and mentally.  These caches are located on top of the many peaks in southern New Mexico (one in West Texas!).  Many of these caches are accessible by trail, however.  Even the ones that do have trails for part of the journey don't make the task at hand much simpler.

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The 12 Labors of HerculesPublic