From Hatch, the stage drops straight into the Rio Grande valley floor. The route runs south for a long time, first through flat farmland, irrigation channels and open sections between small settlements. Arrey, Rincon and Radium Springs are the few clear markers on the first half. Around Leasburg Dam and Fort Selden, the river stays close, even when it is not directly beside the road. Technically, this is a simple day, but the distance defines it: just over 100 kilometres, little shade and many straight stretches. Before Las Cruces the valley widens, with the Organ Mountains forming a sharp eastern horizon. From there the route continues through the Mesilla Valley, past fields, farms and town edges to Anthony, just short of the Texas line.
