Over four miles of simple hiking paths, including the Dripping Springs Trail, may be found in the Dripping Springs Natural Area. These trails display low-elevation pinon-juniper and oak forests as well as desert scrub. The region also offers fantastic chances to see wildlife, including year-round opportunities to see red-tailed hawks, Gambel’s quail, golden eagles, and rock squirrels. It provides excellent year-round viewing of desert coyotes and mule deer. In the spring and summer, keep an eye out for other species such as the black-throated sparrow, ladder-backed woodpecker, verdin, black-tailed gnatcatcher, lesser nighthawk, Scott’s oriole, cactus wren, desert cottontail, and collared and tree lizard.
Gate Hours (change with Daylight Savings Time)
Summer (March-Nov): 7a.m. – Sunset
Winter (Nov-March): 8a.m. – Sunset
Dripping Springs Natural Area is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.
Fees
- $5 per vehicle for day use, $15 per bus.
- We offer a local Las Cruces District annual day use pass for $30.
- The La Cueva Group Site can be reserved for $50 per day. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (575) 525-4300 or visiting 1800 Marquess St., Las Cruces, NM 88005
Facilities
The Dripping Springs Natural Area has a visitor center, handicapped-accessible restrooms, 12 picnic sites, and one large family/group picnic site that can be reserved through the BLM Las Cruces District Office (see Contact Information on the right). There is no camping and pets are allowed only on designated trails. Check with the visitor center or call for more information.
Visitor Center
The Dripping Springs Visitor Center offers interpretive displays of the Organ Mountains. It is located 10 miles east of Interstate 25, Exit 1, on the western edge of the Organ Mountains in the Dripping Springs Natural Area. It is open all year, except winter holidays, from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 p.m. The Dripping Springs Natural Area Visitor Center can be reached at (575) 522-1219.
For additional information visitors can also contact the Las Cruces District BLM office at 575-525-4300. Located East of Las Cruces NM