dripping springs natural area

The road to Dripping springs is an extremely rough gravel road for the last 4 miles. We turned around after 1 mile

The hike is a gradual sloping climb, 500 ft, in total elevation. Distance 3 miles return. Mostly gravel. Benches are placed in various spots for a breather. Ruins of historical buildings to be seen from up close.easy hike, awesome views.

We found this destination hike to be well worth our time. The primary trail is 3 miles long round trip. The elevation gain is 600 feet. The trail is a continuous uphill hike on a gravel surface which follows the old road to the canyon. The trail has multiple shaded spots where you can rest or stop for lunch. The view on the trail is actually nice.At the destination, you will find the "dripping spring" which has a nice waterfall. There are also lots of buildings where the sanitorium once was. In a separate area also at the head of the canyon is the "mountain resort" with additional buildings. Plaques at both sites provide the history of their use and how the spring was used. There are picnic tables with shade. There are also pit toilets near the destination. We were amazed that as you walk up on the trail, there is NO indication that such a beautiful area will be found ahead!There is also a nice Visitor Center at the Park entrance, with lots of information about this area. The volunteer couple at the visitor center are easy to talk to and are happy to answer your questions. The parking area is adequate, and even has an overflow parking site. There are well maintained & clean bathrooms at the visitor center.

We went to this park and did the Dripping Springs trail and it was great. It's a gentle upslope and is well marked. It was a gloriously sunny day and we took our time. It's about a mile to get to the ruins of the hotel and sanitarium, and I found the history of the area really interesting. There's great bird watching too.The area was so peaceful, I just found it beautiful. It made for a terrific, not-too-strenuous hike.

This newly minted national monument, part of the Organ Mountains - Desert Peaks National Monument (http://www.organmountains.org/) is a joy to behold. Nestled in the Organ Mountains, just outside of Las Cruces, it is a relatively easy 1.5 mile hike into the mountains to see the springs, which actually may be dripping, depending upon the time of year. My daughter, wife and I recently hiked up there with our 3 1/2 year old grandson. He managed to walk up, but needed a ride on shoulders on the way down! The scenery is dramatic on the way up to the springs, as you overlook the valley in which nestles Las Cruces from about 5600 feet elevation. There is much history there, and you can read about some of it in this brochure (http://www.blm.gov/style/medialib/blm/nm/programs/recreation/rec_docs/rec_docs_las_cruces.Par.36821.File.dat/Dripping%20Springs.pdf) where you will see that there are other trails and hikes available. It is wonderful way to spend a few hours, or a full day for hiking, picnicking and photography. It is a national monument, so appropriate fees apply.

5+ miles of interesting hiking trails amongst the Organ mountains. Visitor center explains the history of the area. There are old cabins , an old sanitarium , and a cave that was once inhabited by a recluse. We hike often and found this hiking to be moderate. Would definitely recommend this park.

stunning-especially in the early morning or evening- interesting plants along the way too. Bring lots of water

We took a hike here for Valentine's Day and even though I have lived in Las Cruces for 8+ years I have never been here. The trail was a nice hike with ruins of a stable area, an old hotel and a sanatorium at the top. The spring is small, but makes a pretty waterfall. There were plenty of places to rest along the trail. There is some elevation to the trail and the final elevation is about 6000 feet above sea level. The trail to the springs and back is a 3 mile round trip. The park does not allow pets, mountain bikes, or motorized vehicles on the trail and you are asked not to go into the ruins as some are unstable. The ranger station is where you pay the fee and the staff were very helpful with lots of information about the trail and the park itself. Parking is very near the trail head and there are flush toilets at the ranger station and a pit toilet on the trail. In addition there is a nice picnic area west of the ranger station on the way into the park with multiple covered picnic areas with charcoal grills (no campfires allowed) and easy trail access to some very large rock formations nearby. There is a also a group usage area, an outdoor meeting area and several toilets in this area. Overall, a nice place to spend an afternoon, but I really wish they would allow pets.

we enjoyed this hike up to the "ruins" of an old sanitorium and camp and dripping springs. It is not a difficlult hike and most of the hike is on an old road of crushed gravel. Look for the moss growing on the side of the cliffs above the springs... very pretty. The "ruins"are not much to look but the hike is nice. We also enjoyed hiking to the hermit cave. That trail is much more of a hiking trails and the views are great.

Awesome snow view in Organ mountain. I drove there after a very rear snow in las cruces. Believe it or not, it's really beautiful!

We found this place by accident - but thoroughly enjoyed the 3 mile hike up to the sanitorium and the mountain resort. It was quiet and had lovely views of Las Cruces. We enjoyed it !

It was our first hike while visiting Las Cruces and we truly enjoyed it. I believe the enthusiasm of the two park rangers was our first positive experience and we were determined to try the entire hike to dripping springs! I enjoyed learning the history but would suggest a hiking pole or walking stick for anyone with knee or hip issues.

This hike was a good one to start our vacation with. It had a gentle upgrade to the Spring, and has historical structures on the way. The path is rocky, so stable shoes are important.

This is a nice hike, easy to walk as the trail is nicely graded. Three miles round trip, with a gradual incline. Lots of resting benches, and a restroom at the top! You will need to take water. It is a National Monument and there is a $3.00 fee to hike. No dogs allowed.It was cool when we hiked so we didn't get too hot, I would imagine if it was warm you would want to hike this early in the AM.

Beautiful scenic area with super views westward. Except for early morning, would avoid during the hot months. Particularly nice after rains/snow melt for running streams. Five mile round trip trail was gentle climb but surface rocks were terrible, all various sizes so be prepared to nurse your ankles the next day.When it's warm enough be aware of and keep your distance from rattlers..Park personnel not aware of any problems with them, but if you come upon one laying across the trail certainly take a detour around it.