Hiking Dripping Springs Natural Area - [Las Cruces, New Mexico]


Where is Dripping Springs Natural Area?

Dripping Springs Natural Area is located about ten miles east of Las Cruces, New Mexico, on the western side of the Organ Mountains. 



What should one expect on the trails at Dripping Springs Natural Area?

A little over four miles of easy hiking trails are available at Dripping Springs. Vegetation is primarily desert scrub and low-elevation pinion juniper and oak woodlands. Wildlife sightings are common (I encountered a herd of desert mule deer grazing on my last visit). Views of the Organ Mountains and a natural spring affectionately known as "the weeping wall" are also prominent features of the hikes at Dripping Springs.

Along with the natural sights, there are several preserved historical structures, with explanatory signage. These buildings provide an idea of what life may have been like for early settlers in the area.

The site is open year-round, with the exceptions of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. 

The Visitors Center is open from 8:00AM - 5:00PM, and the main entrance gate open from 7:00AM - sunset (April - September) or 8:00AM - sunset (October - March).


Are pets allowed on the trails at Dripping Springs Natural Area?

Dripping Springs probably isn't the best place to hike with your pets, as they are not allowed past the Crawford Trail junction on the Dripping Springs and La Cueva Trails.

 

Is camping allowed at Dripping Springs Natural Area?

Camping is not allowed at Dripping Springs Natural Area.


Is there a fee for hiking at Dripping Springs Natural Area?

There is a day use fee of $5 per vehicle or $15 per bus. An annual pass is available for $30. The site is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, so federal multi-agency passes are also accepted (e.g. America the Beautiful).



 

 

Location: Dripping Springs Trail, New Mexico 88011, USA

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