Dripping Springs Natural Area Reviews

Take yourself on this fairly easy hike. Its about 1.5 miles one way and the journey makes the destination.

As a part of our travel day from Alamogordo to Tucson, I found a couple of places for us to stop and stretch our legs. Our group really enjoyed our time here. We did not do the springs but we enjoyed the rocks at the Cueva Trail. Really great trail and outdoor amenity area. The only problem I had is tried to be adventurous climb on a rock only to struggle on how to get down. It was the only time on the trip I felt 51. I should have thought better of this. All in good fun and there was plenty of it here.

Loved this hike. It goes back to a dripping spring and and to the ruins of an old resort from about the 1880's-1890's. Stay until sunset and park just out of the park to enjoy!

A long uphill walk on a rough gravelly path (which was hard work to walk on) to get to the 'waterfall' - as it had rained the night before it was a steady dribble, but we were told that normally there isn't really any water at all. There are some lovely views and we saw 2 tarantulas. The walk back down was much easier. We felt it was slightly underwhelming for the effort to get there!

Visited today with my fiancé and my parents. My parents are ~60 and don't hike much. They did great! The most popular hike to see the dripping springs is 1.5 miles gradually uphill - 500ft gain. The hike is on loose gravel, so where close toed shoes and bring water! Today there was hardly a trickle of water coming down, but it was a beautiful hike up to the base of the Organ Mountains. There's also ruins from a resort that was operating in the 1800s. The hike down is the same 1.5 mile trail you take up to the springs. Saw two families with young children on our way, seems like a great walk for most. Don't recommend pushing a stroller. Not wheelchair accessible.

National monument with incredible hikes. We loved the Dripping Springs Trail with all the historic building ruins. The hike was awe inspiring. It was perfect to have a gradual incline out and an easy downhill return. We saw an Oryx antelope. So cool.

I have been to Dripping Springs several times, and I am in awe every time I go at the beauty of the area. I love going up into the foothills of the Organ Mountains and just listening to the quiet and serenity as I look out at the scenic views of the City of Crosses below. I highly recommend this easy day hike to all.

Made a return visit after 4 years. This time we were looking for a short & interesting trail The volunteer at the Visitor Center suggested the La Cueva trail to the Rock Shelter/Cave. The trial that starts from the Picnic area is about 0.9 miles round trip. The trail from the Visitor is about 1.2 miles round trip. Each trail has some areas that would be considered “Moderate”.

The Cave has been occupied since at least 5000 years ago based on archeological digs. A more recent occupier was Giovanni Maria Agotini, better known by the residents at the time as the “Hermit”. The “Hermit” lived in this cave for two years before he was murdered by an unknown person.

The Cave is open for hikers to enter. There are a two signs at the Cave entrance which give the history of the Cave. This is a very nice option to the popular Dripping Springs” hike if you have limited time.

Beautiful area! The hike was very reasonable (kids aged 14, 12, and 6). The history of the ruins was neat. The views were spectacular! Definitely stop by the Visitor’s center as the employees are friendly and knowledgeable.

Hiked this and La Cueva and took in some amazing views. The history of Dripping Springs Resort is so interesting. And your America The Beautiful Pass gets you in for free.

Trail to springs, wide and well maintained. Rather rocky and could be difficult for some. Saw a stroller being pushed, hard on dad, not on babe. Springs is a faucet with water dripping. Interesting buildings. Nice at visitors center. No pets on trail, but pets welcome on leash.

Very beautiful place. I go there very often to hike. It is especially beautiful in the summer when it is all green and has lots of wildflowers.

Unless it's rained a lot the spring is pretty spartan, but still, well worth a visit and a thoroughly enjoyable 3 mile (round trip) hike. Historical buildings along the way were cool too.

Beautiful place to stretch your legs especially after driving all the way from Florida. It's a hilly terrain which is a nice change from FL.

This is an awesome little stop. I am an avid hiker and this place is beautiful and really simple. I have taken older people to this place. The hike is a couple of miles with a minimal incline. At the top of the trail there is a historic sanitorium and the "dripping spring". If we recently had rainfall it will be gushing but in dry season it may not even drip. Very scenic and worth a stop, even for people who don't love hiking. Plan 3-4 hours for a round trip if you really take your time.

Note: This is not a free location to hike. You have to pay a small fee (I think $5) per car.

Great up close view of the mountains. We didn't get out of the car (because of COVID) but it was a great view!

Have been here a number of times with our scout troop. Always beautiful scenery. Lots to see and a number of trails to hike. If the area receives a lot of rain during the monsoon season, the waterfalls are gorgeous. Visitor center is also very nice and the volunteers there are knowledgeable and helpful.

Great place to go for a nice little hike or a more difficult one. Nice visitor city too with lots of information! Beautiful scenery and garden areas...

Did the 3 mile dripping springs hike. We enjoyed it. The return portion of the hike was most enjoyable. It was a great way to the start the day. It's a must do when in Las Cruces.

A little busy on a covid fall weekend, but not so much you needed to wear a mask. Shaded stone benches along the way, otherwise not much shade on the way to the old sanitorium. Interesting to walk around the old buildings. A few birds and a tarantula. A nice easy walk with little elevation change. Hiking shoes best for the gravel. Picnic tables near the end. Nice to get up close to the mountain.

This was a beginner-intermediate hike. We hike up to the small water fall and cooled down after hiking under the hot sun. This place is dog friendly but you can only take a certain trail to protect the wildlife in the area. It was well worth it and we even got some spring water. Yummy!

Dripping Springs is a fun day with plenty to do. There is an old tuberculosis sanatorium to hike to, an old stone hotel (see if you can find the swimming pool that is built into the side of the mountain), La Cueva rock formations, a nice visitor center, etc. Very family friendly, but not very challenging if you like rock climbing.

Great place for a hike. The trail is well marked. At the base of the Organ Mts in what is now a National Monument. The mountains and views are spectacular!

How do you even capture a place as beautiful as this in a photograph? Today’s adventure brought us to the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument, Dripping Springs Natural Area for a 4 mile hike. Managed by the United States Bureau of Land Management. As history goes, Major Eugene Van Patten built a Mountain Camp (aka Dripping Springs Resort) sometime after 1872. The two-story hotel had 32 guest rooms and a piano! Who would drag a piano up here?? After experiencing financial troubles, he sold the resort to Dr. Nathan Boyd in 1917 for $1.00, basically via a quit claim deed, after a long legal battle. Dr. Boyd constructed a sanatorium (this term is still up for debate) in 1910 to house tuberculosis patients until Dr. Boyd, too, experienced financial difficulties. Only a ghost town and ruins remain. But the ruins are beautiful. It is said even Billy the Kid slept here. TY US BLM, US NPS, NM & TX.

I checked in at the visitor center first to collect all the information I could about the trails and area for future visits. The couple volunteering there were very helpful and knowledgeable. I just did a short hike to see the cave on the La Cueva Trail. The trail surface was nice without a lot of rocks to stumble over and I didn't see any trash. Once you get from the visitor center to the cave the trail got a little more challenging. You have to hike up a somewhat steep section of rock to get to the base of the cliff where the cave is but it's not too terrible. Beyond that if I had continued, it looked like the trail went down into a stream bed and got a little rocky. I really liked the views of the mountains and look forward to more hikes as spring progresses and things get more green.

Dripping Springs is a short drive from Las Cruces, is managed by the BLM and on the West side of the Organ Mountains so named due to its steep spires resembling organ pipes. The visitor center is a good place to start and was staffed by a very knowledgeable volunteer the day we visited. National Parks passes are accepted or there is a $5/day/car fee. There are three main inter-connected trails (around 5 miles total) which are recommended. The most popular - Dripping Springs - leaves from a gravel area near the visitor center and is around 2.7 miles RT. The tread is gravel and the elevation gain is minimal but steady to the Springs, 19th century vacant resort and TB sanitarium. Make sure to read the signs for some interesting stories. The Springs were seeping but the overall hike is worth it just for the spectacular scenery. This trail connects with the Crawford and Fillmore trails. The Fillmore is a 1/2 mile spur off the Crawford and leads to a "waterfall" that had very little water in early April. Close to trail's end and the visitor center, you will pass a large natural cave with its own historical story. The poppies were blooming and the yucca had started to put out their gigantic flowers. What a beautiful sight and what a way to spend a couple of hours.

We hiked back to the dripping springs. It was only dripping and you couldn't get very close. It was mostly uphill going out, but easier coming back. Saw an Oreck and 2 tarantulas. The Organ Mountains are just beautiful.

This place is very serene and has fantastic scenery. It sits at the foothills of the Organ mountains with a running creek and some historical buildings from an era gone by. It's definitely worth a look and it's an inexpensive way to hike in nature in nice surroundings. There are different trails that vary in length, but you will need to be able to walk quite a bit. The sun rises behind the mountains but when conditions are just right, you will see extraordinary colors and you can see forever from the higher elevations.

This is a lovely, easy hike. It is a magical spot when you get to the top where there was an old resort/sanitarium. The history is quite interesting - you can definitely imagine what it was like when the resort was up and running.

It was beautiful and the guides at the visitors center gave my kids great on the trail activities and the earned a pin afterwards!

Great trails, well marked. Nothing too difficult. Great place to spend the day! Rangers in visitor center very helpful too.

The dry weather reduced dripping springs to a leaky tap. The walk to the springs was interesting in that there are ruins from a hunting lodge and sanitarium nearby.

The dripping springs does live up to its name, barely a trickle (there is a drought) but nevertheless my husband and I enjoyed the hike very much.

This area at the base of the west side of the Organ Mountains is worth the short trip from Las Cruces. If in the summertime, go early in the morning as there are several nice hiking trails into the desert.

We did both walks. The first one to the Sanatorium was just gorgeous. It was easy but because it was rocky it was a little challenging at the same time but just enough to keep it interesting :-). Amazing scenery and awe inspiring. One of the highlights of our whole trip. The walk to the cave we did the next day. It was much shorter but there's a real steep part, which worried us a little bit but we did it anyway and it was ok. But your shoes MUST have traction or this could be a problem. The cave itself was interesting but we preferred the other walk.

We hired all the way to Dripping Springs. It was a steady uphill climb but the trail in wide and free of boulders or obstructions. Since it was January no worry about rattlesnakes. 😅 Highly recommend this for all except persons with physical limitations.

A group of us get together and ride our horses here and depending on the time of year, the view can be breathtaking.

The hike and the park itself is beautiful . we did the 3 mile loop to see the dripping falls and it was really fun . It is important to carry water , sunscreen . the trail is pretty neat and doesnot necessarily require hiking shoes . As we drove to the parking lot there was a mention of it is a fee area , it took us a little bit to figure out where to pay the fee so we arent considered trespassers. it is $5 fee to use the trails and there are restrooms .If you are returning to White sands from here , take passport / ID since there is immigration checkpoint .

Great place to get up close to the mountains that you've been gawking at this entire time. This is an easy hike, about 1.5-2 miles plus other variations to extend the hike if you like, but the way there is mostly uphill. Take a break every so often and bring water and you'll be ok. The views are amazing (I spent half the time taking photos) and it's nice and cool toward the end.

A mile and a half trek, easy, up the mountain and you will find ruins of a lodge and a mental hospital. Many resting areas. And be sure you have plenty of water.

Visited this National Monument on 04/15/17. What a pleasant experience! If you desire a trail map, stop in @ the Visitor Center (VC). The trails are well maintained & the staff is very friendly & helpful! Hiked & explored the Dripping Springs area. Enjoyed viewing the building remains @ Van Patton's Mountain Camp & Boyd Sanatorium! After viewing the remains of the kitchen/dining area @ the Boyd Sanatorium, take the steps up the left side of the building to view former patient's residences. We saw 3 mule deer on our way up to Dripping Springs. The water was "dripping". I recommend hiking boots, sunscreen & a hat while hiking the trails in this Monument Area! The road to the VC is totally paved now...big improvement over the bumpy dirt road!!

This location is a short distance from town on a paved road for the most part. It is recommended to have a truck or 4 wheel drive vehicle for the parts of the route that are dirt road. There is a large parking lot and maps at the trail head. There is a full loop option, but you can also make your own out and back hike. The path is rocky and has a steady incline, but was not overly challenging. They do allow dogs, but they must be under the controll at all times. Wear long pants and boots. I also suggest a light long sleeve shirt if you are going in the spring, winter, or fall. The sun feels great,but there are some cool spots when you are behing a peak.

We hiked up to Dripping Springs, a gradual sloping track up the side of the Organ Mountains. The track was covered with some kind of crushed stone which made the hiking tiring bc it made for an uneven surface, forcing feet to wobble and reset themselves constantly. Also, being already at some 4000 feet up, we found it to be tiring but not impossible. We were accompanied much of the day by some school children who never thought to share the few sitting spots with us old folks. Ho hum! When we reached the Dripping Spring, we were intrigued but too tired to continue to the former hotel. The Visitor's Center had some interesting displays. Actually better than Average but not quite Very Good.

Dripping Springs is the entry to the Organ Mountains. The visitor center has static displays of the wildlife that use the area as their habitat. The trails afford one the opportunity to explore the area up close and personal.

If you enjoy hiking, waking, volksmarhing, or just want to see some beautiful scenery you've got to come. Our weather in the spring & fall in just gorgeous. The organ mountains and our surroundings areas have wonderful trails to enjoy.

One of the best hikes we have had lately. It is not a difficult hike, and absolutely gorgeous views all along the hike. Especially if it is a sunny day. The waterfalls are beautiful and we enjoyed just taking our time.

Once you hike to dripping springs it's really pretty and a lot of fun, however getting there is another story. The Trail out is deep gravel/rocks that your boots will sink into and it makes the hike exhausting.

We camped on the other side of the mountains, which we really enjoyed. It's a long drive around to get to the other side, but we liked the different angle too. More interesting from a historical perspective, though the Aguirre Springs side was prettier.

I am a flat lander and the higher altitude did make my hike to the spring a little longer, but it was well worth the walk. I took water and took several breaks, even as out of shape as I am it was an easy walk. I even carried a Canon Rebel with a 70-200. It is uphill most of the way to the springs. Only a few people on the trail so no huge crowds to deal with. I probably took 20 or more minutes enjoying the view and taking pictures. Could be the time of the year but saw very little wildlife. Some smaller bugs and 1 big to me spider. The way back I got lucky with cloud coverage and going downhill.

My wife and I have hiked all the trails. We took all of our winter visitors there and they were just as impressed as we are! Trails range from easy to moderate after acclamation to the elevation (5500').

My husband and I were looking for a not too strenuous hike and this fit the bill. We did have to stop a few times on the nice benches along the path, as the trail going in is uphill and the elevation increase can affect people differently. It is a wide gravel trail the whole way. The incline is slight but constant. No steep ledges or cliffs to climb. Return trip of course is much easier! Once you arrive near the destination there are lots of signs to read describing the history of the area. Whole hike (reading signs and taking photos) took us about 1 hour 45 minutes

One tip- stop by visitor center first for quick check in. They can give you some tips - as well as sunscreen and bug spray (so helpful!). We stopped in on our way back and spent time reading more about the nature & history.

This was very enjoyable hike. We started a bit later in the day. The park ranger suggested starting earlier to see more wildlife.

We enjoyed our visit to Dripping Springs Natural Area. We hiked/walked up to the springs and back, really pleasant with marvelous views of the scenery. Just enough uphill climbing to make us feel that we'd gotten decent exercise. The dripping springs weren't interesting -- they can't be approached closely and weren't much to look at -- nor was the abandoned nearby spa (although its history is a tad more worthwhile). But our purpose wasn't to see those two things but rather to enjoy a hike/walk so we were quite satisfied. We should not that the park rangers were very helpful.

Always like to visit this area at different times of the year.. Went there for a late summer hike. Not too many wildflowers because of the lack of rain bur still very nice views and the barrel cacti were beautiful.

Gorgeous hikes in the Organ Moutains. Head up tp the old resort and waterfall for starters. You won’t be sorry. This area is the very best that Las Cruces has to offer.

Arrived too close to dark to take the hike to the springs, but we really enjoyed the hike to the hermit's cave.

We discovered this park by chance. Reading the AAA tour book for the area, the park is listed. So we took a diversion, followed the roadsigns and arrived at the park. The rock formations resemble pipe organs and there are several hiking trails that lead from the visitor center parking lot. I'm glad that we stopped and read the history of the place.

Visitor center provides good history of the area. Scenic views. and rock formations are worth the time. Beyond that with a serious walk you can reach historical TB treatment facility.

We found this National Monument/park as a last minute adventure on our trip. The staff were very friendly, the park low keyed. No paper maps use your phone (do this to save on budget) There is no place to buy water bring your own and you will need it. Nice hike on an old wagon trail. Several cool things to see along the trail. Enjoyed it and would recommend it.

Great morning easy hike. I enjoyed the stunning views. The explanation provided in the visitor center was helpful.

Recommend Parking at La Cueva Picnic Area and hiking the long way around, behind the "rocks" and up to the Dribbling Spring" area. Fascinating historic place... Also go to Filmore Spring. If you time it right, you will see waterfalls!

I went hiking with my friend and her family while visiting New Mexico. We went on a holiday and got free entrance. Amazing views of Las Cruces and the cave was really neat!

Went with no expectations and was pleasantly surprised with all the natural beauty surrounding the area!

I have driven through Las Cruces and number of times and had no idea this was here. I hiked the La Cueva Trail Loop. Super well-maintained and pretty easy. 3 miles around and easy to get to. I saw a few deer and lots of birds.

I was there in early September and the temperatures weren’t too bad. Be sure to bring water though. It took me about an hour, but I kept a pretty brisk pace.

With Covid still creating some disruptions, the visitor’s center was closed as were the restrooms, but they had portable toilets on site with handwashing stations.

Dripping Springs, now part of Organ Peaks National Monument, is 20 minutes to the east of Las Cruces. Take University Ave east right to the headquarters building. Pay a daily fee and take one of three or four walks. If you have a senior pass, it works here. The volunteer staff is very helpful and will provide you with all the option that are available at the site. It takes about an hour to walk to Dripping Springs along an improved foot path (not good for wheel chairs). You will pass old corrals and dilapidated bunkhouses. You also see the old sanitarium along the way. Walk up a path and you come to the top of a small knoll where the Springs are located. You're in a cool canyon, surrounded by the Organ Mountains. It's difficult to understand how massive the mountain complex is from Las Cruces so taking the walk is well worth it. The trip back is fast (it's downhill).

If you want to go to one of the coolest places around Las Cruces for hiking and scenery I suggest Dripping Springs. It's a decent hike up to the old Sanitarium which is a house on stilts on the side of the mountain deep inside the mountains. And there's a waterfall and another old buildings which is pretty cool to look at. Definitely one of the better things around Las Cruces to see as far as landscape goes.

The hike to Dripping Springs is very doable for most anyone. The scenery is beautiful. what a great way to spend the day.

If one hikes all the routes, it is just over 5 miles on well maintained trails. There are a couple of places with 100 year old buildings , some great views from cliffs, a tall waterfall, a cave and a lot of native flora.
Great place for a day trip. They need a campground.

Interesting! Go after the rainy season to view the waterfall. The hikes are pleasant and moderate. The park rangers are friendly and informative. Visit the ranger station first if possible. There are wonderful picnic areas nearby.

Nice and quiet, not crowded at all. Great place to hike and take in the scenery. Dogs are not allowed on all trails so if you have a dog make sure you follow their rules.

Nice hike approximately 3 miles total. Lots of natural plants and moderate incline. Very beautiful and bring more than enough water!

This was a hiking visit with both La Cueva and Dripping Springs trails well groomed. Bring water, good walking shoes, sun screen and head gear. Nothing is for sale at the site. Both trails are about 10% average grade. There is a visitor's center at which you must register and pay a fee. The fee is waived if you have a parks pass. There is parking at the visitor's center and toilets are available there as well.

Our group met some interesting wildlife along the way, and enjoyed the spring and trees at the destination. The hosts at the Visitor Center were very helpful.

Very easy drive east of Las Cruses. Paved road was nice and unexpected. Picnic area loop was cool. The barrel cacti and prickly pear were blooming. I had not expected to see so much green. Did some short hiking and looked at the mountains as well as the plants.

This is a wonderful place to spend the day hiking and exploring through this rugged land the Paths are well marked

Complaining about a lack of flow is missing the point here. I mean, really, it is called "dripping springs." Dripping. So why would anyone be expecting major waterfalls?

The mountains and cayons are just gorgeous. The rugged terrain,, the variety,, way the light plays off the different aspects. It's a feast for the eyes and spirit.

Adding to the interest level are side trails leading to the remains of an old sanitarium and a mountain resort camp.

This is a Las Cruces must due. Just make sure to go early if its summer to beat the heat.

We stopped here with 2 kids (7 and 10) on the way from Las Cruces to El Paso. The visitor center is pretty basic with a friendly park ranger and dated exhibits. The bathrooms are sub-par. We took the La Cueva Hike, which is nice. It is fairly short but has two steep hills and a stream to cross - would recommend waterproof shoes with good soles for hiking. The cave is interesting and the view is gorgeous.

Nice visitor center; friendly and informative. Did the dripping springs trail to the spring (would be really nice after a rain/hardly running when we were there). Hard to believe some of the buildings are still in tact since late 1800's. Make sure you take water! Elevation gain is 550' but it is little steep if you aren't used to walking but doable. There are other hikes, we did not do. $5.00 to park.

easy hike....amazing story......history of early days when people travelled by stage coach....get there early....only charge was 5$ for parking

My family of four went there in the morning from Las Cruces on the way to White Sands National Monument. There are a few trails in this area. We first stopped at the visitor center. The information desk was very helpful. We went for the Dripping Spring trail. It was 3 miles round trip. Most of the trail has no shade. So make sure you bring sun screen, a hat, and water. Every once in a while there would be a tree and bench that offers shade as a rest station. The trail has rock formation and cactus scenery. Toward the end of the trail I saw the dripping spring and historic ruin, feeling so accomplished. We hiked the same route back out. It was a nice work out but not strenuous.

I go to Dripping Springs often, but this year I'm so disappointed as there were no hummingbird feeders out. That is one of the main reasons I make trips there are to watch the hummingbirds at the feeders, that has always given me great joy. I enjoy the walk of course but the hummingbirds are what bring me there, I can hike all kinds of places. Bring back the feeders.

We needed to get our "Hike On" so we did our do-diligence and headed up to Dripping Springs. Having heard the trails were well maintained and easy to hike was a bonus for us. The best part for us was this was a national forrest attraction (I think) so we wiped out our senior access pass and got in for FREE.
The Ranger told us that the springs were not dripping because of the lack of rainfall but we really weren't concerned about that we came to hike and hike we did. They should have made a trip up the the springs because they were dripping...Score!
The hike was really nice all be it uphill most of the way. The best part was getting to see and learn about the vast history of the springs and surrounding grounds. The buildings left behind, though beaten up over time still let you wonder what life back at the turn of the 1900's was like. It was a day we won't forget soon and were so glad we made the drive down from Radium Springs.
You could really add up some miles hiking the many trails they have but we did enough just getting up to the dripping springs.

We usually hike in the northern part of the state, which is pretty chilly at this time of the year. This hike was very different but we loved it. The terrain is rugged but the hiking path is very easy. We loved the ruins and the history. The staff at the visitor's center was helpful. We hiked late in the day and got to see the desert at sunset which was amazing. The air was cool, but not cold. All in all, a great place to hike in winter.

Beautiful scenery. Well maintained and well marked trails that were moderately difficult. Interesting ruins of old hotel. Lucky to scare up six deer just a few yards off the path.

It was a beautiful drive to the Organ Mountains and they took on differenet characteristics as you got closer to them. Weather was not conducive for outdoor hiking but it still was worth the drive. Need to go back in warmer weather. Visitors center at the end of the drive was very helpful.

Southern New Mexico has a stark beauty and this sweet park offers the rocks, cacti, birds, and mountains that we love. Occasionally you'll find a deer and mountain lions have been known to leave spoor, though I've not seen one. There are several trails, even an abandoned ruin of a health spa that once was frequented by people seeking a cure for their ills, a decrepit cabin or two (though some have sadly been vandalized) and a catchment for water the ranchers of old built. The view looking back to Las Cruces is lovely. This is usually a pretty quiet place for hiking, reflecting, and appreciating the natural world of the Chihuahuan desert.

We drove up and took lots of pictures, the mountains were beautiful the whole mountain desert experience is great. Nice place to pack a picnic lunch, do some hiking, and take plenty of pictures of the great landscape.

My husband and I hiked about 6 1/2 miles to the hermit's cave, around the back of the mountain and up to the old camp. The trail is gravel; the incline is gradual. While it pushed us, because we are not strong hikers, we took our time and we loved it. You need water. There was a clean porta potty at the trails end at the camp. As with many activities in the desert, early morning and late afternoon would be your best time.

Nice Place. The La Cueva trail, the loop, and the Filmore trail are all easy and quite pretty. The visitor center and staff arr good

Easy enough for younger kiddos and post knee surgery husband. We went early before it got hot. The hardest part is all the gravel in the beginning. It's like walking in sand. When we went the spring was barely running which was a bummer but definitely worth it.

The Dripping Springs hike was a nice hike. The visitor center area is still under development. No live people there to ask questions or anything. We enjoyed the hike...especially near the end having to go over rocks to continue. We did this hike a couple of months ago so I don't remember how long it took us to finish. I put November, but I really don't recall when we went

We attended the BARK Ranger program this evening at Dripping Springs. This is not yet a recurring program. Tonight was a special event. However, I wanted to share on this site some of the pet friendly trail information they gave us this evening.

We now live in Las Cruces, but when we visited on vacation several yrs ago we couldn’t easily find information on pet friendly trails. Posting the info from tonight in the event it helps someone visiting our lovely area. There are many many more pet friendly areas (Veterans Park, Desert Trails Park, La Llorana, etc) but this handout gives you a few ideas.

this is a good hike for all ages, beautiful scenery and an easy hike. the historical buildings are great. upon arrival you will get all information needed in the visitors center, they are very helpful - it is only 5 dollars per car. wonderful views.

Organ Mountain Desert Peak National Monument – Dripping Springs recreational Area – Fillmore Canyon hike

It is rare when there is actual water running from Fillmore Falls but after several days of rain the last few weeks it was worth hiking up to Fillmore falls to see if there was any water running. We were not disappointed! We parked in the lower parking lot of La Cueva picnic area. If you have a national park pass you can park here for free by placing your pass on the dashboard otherwise you pay a small fee at the entrance. The trail is a moderate rocky trail with a slow gradual ascent to the falls but an easy back with a gradual down hill. Still recommend good ankle hiking boots and if you are used to hiking with a hiking pole then this will also help to navigate the larger rocks later in the trail toward the falls. The views are wonderful! The Organ mountain peaks before you, the city valley behind you and the La Cuevas Rocks along your right, you cannot go wrong. There are many beautiful cacti along the trail. We have hiked the trail later in the year when they were in bloom, but not quite yet in middle of March. As you near the falls the trail gets a bit more difficult and rocky but worth the effort if the water is running. This out and back trail is just about 3 miles and took us just about 2 hours as a slow pace. You can add on the La Cueva cave hike to extend your enjoyment for the day.

Came here with my family and got in a great morning hike. The history and scenery were special treats. This is a highly recommended place.

We arrived in Las Cruces around 5:00pm and were not ready to check in to our hotel. We stumbled across this attraction on Trip Advisor and headed over. The park guide told us it was a 3 mile round trip to the dripping springs and we had plenty of time before the park closed. What a beautiful place! As we were making our way down the trail we came across a group of deer. We could not believe that they seemed as curious about us as we were of them. We thoroughly enjoyed our late afternoon hike in this beautiful location. Definitely recommend!

Great place to visit for young and old. There are picnic sites and hiking trails some trails more strenuous than others. More importantly there are ports pots!!! There is a suggested fee for entering ($5 per car) but it’s well worth it.

Only had time for one hike as i passed through the area. This is an easy, well maintained path with a steady grade and some cool views the whole way.

Great hiking and wonderful view of the city and valley. Hosts are easy to talk with and knowledgeable.

We enjoyed our trek through dripping springs. The rangers were accommodating with our pets. The up and back trail to drippings is very nice and the trails well maintained. There is good signage and explanation of the historic sites.

The monk who lived alone ina cave there for over ten years has a fascinating life story. Pick up a book in his life before visiting Dripping Springs.

The walking trails are gorgeous and well-tended and there are several sheltered picnic table areas.

If you are looking for beauty and exercise, Dripping Springs is a great place to go.

Definitely wear your comfortable athletic or hiking shoes. The dirt path is wide and groomed. Incline on the way up is gradual but constant, and that means the return trip is a piece of cake in comparison :-) We enjoyed viewing the wild, brushy terrain, the magestic organ mountains and the remnants of the old structures.

My husband and I had a wonderful time hiking the Dripping Springs trail in the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument. The trail was wide and had some small loose rocks. We were careful not to lose our footing on the way back (downhill). The springs were not running (late June) but the rocks were damp. The air around the springs was a cool escape from the hot valley (Las Cruses) below. The old historical Boyd’s Sanitarian and Historic Van Patton Mountain Camp are both within a 5 minute walk of the springs. All three places were neat to see. The views of the views of the mountains and canyons on the trail were beautiful. There was a very friendly ranger in the visitor’s center. This trail is certainly worth a hike and it is very close to Las Cruses, NM.

I was pleasantly surprised when I hiked this trail, you enter a narrow canyon that opens up to beautiful vistas, large rock formations and a surprise spring in a grotto type setting, really beautiful!

I love getting out in nature and hiking. Dripping Springs has become one of my all time favorites. First thing in the morning its peaceful, quiet and you can see the animals. I've seen multiple deer, rabbits, birds, etc. love the quiet so I can let my mind just soak up the freedom all around me to get away from the fast pace that town and a city can create.

This is a terrific place for outdoor activities. The Visitors Center has all sorts of useful information about the local hiking. Really enjoyed our time here.

I love to go up to this area and do afternoon or morning hikes. I wish the dog could come but it makes for a nice relaxing couple hours anyway! Very beautiful area!

There are several trails that are breathtaking in what is now the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument. You can head to Dripping Springs, Fillmore Falls Canyon Trail or La Cueva...it is a beautiful way to spend a day!

If you are looking for a waterfall, rushing water, waterscapes - well, this just is not it.

But what you will find is a good road to the site with decent parking. You will find very helpful staff at the small visitor's center (and yes they will stamp your National Park Passport). You will find an easy trail up to the historic features in the area.

Most of all you will find a wonderful view of the Organ Mountains and the valley below.

This was a good leg stretch, unique history, and great photo opportunity. Well worth the visit.

The hike was nice and There was some great history to learn about the old resort at various points along the trail. Hike itself was not breathtaking

Well maintained.
Super easy
Small rocks/ gravel trail, not paved
Hardly any other person on the trail

Overall boring af. Not a workout. Challenge level equal to the sidewalks in your neighborhood or shopping center. Views equal or worst compared to other trails in the area. If you want somewhere to just take a long walk, this might be for you. Otherwise, this is not a hike. No real spectacular views either.

We weren't planning to go on a hike but the reviews were so good. We got sneakers at Walmart - you really don't want to hike in sandals or (worse yet) flip-flops. It was the best money we spent on the trip. Take a lot of water, some sun screen, and extra time if you aren't used to high elevation. Stay out of the grass - we counted 4 rattlesnakes minding their own business - and you will be fine. When you are done hiking, take a break, watch the hummingbirds and chat with the friendly staff at the visitor center.

Hadn't been there in 45 years, back when it was private property. Easy hikes, beautiful views, lots of birds and friendly staff. Go early as it can get very hot later in the day during the summer. If you have a Senior National Park pass you don't have to pay the entrance fee.

I love hiking up Dripping Springs trail. The hike is not a vigorous one, so if you are not known as a "hiker", don't worry. The top of the trail has some wonderful markers that tell of the history of the area. Don't miss the remains of an old resort and the crumbling foundation of a tuberculosis hospital. The whole family can participate and enjoy the views.

Dripping Springs had excellent views and the trails (although the boys went "off" trail) were excellently placed. The interpretive signs were also very helpful. Easy to get closeups of cactus flowers, but watch where you step!

Started at the visitors center and walked to the cave about .6 miles away. It was a perfect walk for a beginner (or slightly out of shape) Walker. Saw lots of kids on our way up to the cave. Beautiful view of the mountains on both sides and at the end of this trail is a small cave with a great story/history. Fun walk done in a little over an hour, taking time for pictures and rest breaks. Air is much thinner in NM than Florida, so southern be sure to drink tour water and take breaks as needed.

We hiked all the main trails in the park via a loop hike with spur trails, which totaled about 5.5 mi. RT. We hiked to Dripping Springs first and saw the sanitorium and other abandoned structures. While interesting history, we actually enjoyed the portion of the hike up Fillmore Canyon to the springs and waterfall there a lot more as the views just before you reach the waterfall are dramatic as the Organ Peaks are spread out in front of you.

We hiked this hike in the morning hours. I think it would probably be better lighting in the late afternoon so the sun isn't in your eyes looking at the mountains to the east, though the temps would be much higher at that time. In any case, if you are in the Las Cruces area, this is a must see. We didn't think any of the hiking was difficult and the elevation gain was minimal throughout.

I'm always so amazed and pleased when our wonderful country sets aside places to preserve and protect for the future. This is one of those places. I went to school nearby and had never heard of Drippng Springs. We were on our way through looking for local sites and found it. Yippee!

First off there's a nice little Visitor Center. The centerpiece is the 3-D topo map of the Organ Mountains. The volunteer docent was wonderful She told us all about the area and provided great ideas (even knew about the introduction of Oryx into the area). We could have chatted with her all day.

The hike is easy and nice. It's on a wide old road. We saw deer on the way. The mountains on all sides are dramatic. At the end is the old resort and the Dripping Springs. I didn't know what to expect. Actually in season (whenever that is; Spring I guess), there's water cascading (like little cascading. This is a desert after all) down a bluff into a cistern. Not today. We could see where the water will come down. But too late in the season.

The building remains are interesting. As is the story of the resort and sanitorium. I recommend that before trekking up there you do some research into the area. Makes it more interesting.

Really enjoyed our time here.

East hike from parking lot back to the old ruins. Note that most of the trail is gravel. Be sure to pick up the brochure from the visitor's center to understand what the area was used for.

Great hike with fantastic views. Only drawback is only the first part of the hike can be made by anyone with walking difficulties.

This is an amazing hiking area. We did a easier hike as one of our party has some physical limitations. The rock structures are breath taking. The volunteer in the welcome center area was very nice and knowledgeable.

Nice drive up the mountain to the end of the canyon to the Visitor Center. Hiking trails, but we didn't partake. Loved the views though of Las Cruces below and out to the various mountains and peaks to the west. Short and sweet drive.

Easy hiking area with historical information at trailhead. Family friendly but no dogs☹️ Bring your own water.

The Dripping Springs trail is gradual and wide. Gets a lot of use. Great views of the mountains. Always see deer off the trail, supposedly an oryx has crested the mountain and hangs out by the trail in the late afternoons. Good education signs back by the old hotel. A rare mini waterfall at the right times. Nice visitor center.

Nice couple hour hike.... slight incline upwards and easy walk down. Bright blue skies, good rocky trail road, and scenic views good. Multiple trails and lengths

Great loop hikes for you and the children. If you are looking for something a little more serious, it's available. The volunteers working the Center are super nice and want to help. Let them know what you want to do and they'll steer you right.

There are several hikes here, I did the one that goes to the ruins of an 1800s Ranch and Sanitarium. I'd say about 5 miles round trip. Ruins are on several levels and are very interesting.

Great place to hike and see some awesome views. Go prepared. Take water, warm clothes ( it cools down at night ) bring a light in case you get caught out after dark. The park rangers are great and can offer good advice.

The area is so nice with the mountains, and wildlife. Great drive up to the park. We did a hike about 1.5 miles each way up to the dripping springs. There are 3 chicken coops that are historic and the area was a stag coach stop back in the day. We saw a family of deer with Dad and Mom and 3 others.

The hike is not too strenuous and well worth taking time out to do. The vistas are beautiful and you can see the city below. It’s hard to believe there used to be a hotel tucked away in this canyon because it’s so remote. My only complaint is that the signage to this place could be better, but that’s a complaint for most of the places I visited in New Mexico. Dripping Springs was one of the prettiest places we visited on our trip.

Came here and did a short hike to Dripping Springs. It was a very nice getaway to the mountains, an easy hike and we enjoyed excellent vistas of Las Cruces below. The ranger at the visitor center was very helpful and provided some great information.

Beautiful area to visit with nature. Watch for the local animals. Mule Deer crossed in front of our path approx. 100 yards ahead of us.

Nature path is an easy walk, or challenge yourself with some of the more adventurous trails.

You well enjoy your time with nature.

Nice gentle hike to stunning box canyon. Take a couple of hours here. The spring was in fact dripping, but the historic nature of the old lodge, sanatorium and stables takes you back in time 100 years.

Worthy of a visit. We are elderly and not into hiking, but thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Road to the information centre is easy. Plenty of parking, but you do need to get a sticker for the car from the centre and sign in. Very informative place. We took the easy trail which has seats along the way. The pathway is stony so runners are best. Native plants are labelled. So pleased we did this

Waterfalls, caves, and general hillside hiking are featured. It's an interesting spot with information about history and geology around the Organ Mountains.

I love the outdoors of new mexico the water fall peace and beautiful go here dont miss it u will not regret it

In summer there are no dripping springs, but it is a beautiful hike, with nice views and lots of interesting history of the area.. When the official trail ends, you can continue on an unofficial trail to see some great views from higher up

Surprised at all the great reviews. We hiked the Dripping Springs Trail, and it was 1 1/2 miles of gravel with just a little scruffy vegetation, and a barely dripping spring at the end. I guess we’re more accustomed to hiking in more scenic, wooded areas. The Organ Mountains were pretty and had an unusual formation, but not sure I’d recommend this particular trail for a hike.

This is a low stress modrate to slight hiking area, that has wonderful views and a interesting history to attract those of us that want more to a hike. the main hike up to the springs has a modest elevation change but show an area that has a history of cttle ranching, a history as a resort started by a ex confederate, and a history as a premier TB clinic at the end on the 19th century. There are other more strenuous secctions that go to another spring and a cave. The wish is that the historic buildings would have been maintained and more spent on the presevation of them.

It was a beautiful hike. Not too steep and completely doable. Just make sure you have tennis shoes or hiking shoes. We went right before sunset and the views were gorgeous. Being able to be just under the large rock formations was definitely worth the hike. There are places to stop and rest along the hike.

The lighting on the canyon walls and golden grasslands was spectacular an hour before sunset. The inviting songs of hundreds of birds could be heard along the path. The ruins at the Van Patten Mountain Camp and Boyd's sanitorium were eerily silent and void.

Dripping Springs Natural Area is a short drive to the edge of our city, and a perfect place to take our visitors. Recently, my sister from Colorado and I parked in the picnic area and hiked 15 minutes to La Cueva to see the hermit's cave! We could have gone a little further to the Visitor Center, but will do that another time. You get a beautiful view of the entire Mesilla Valley from Dripping Springs. There are a number of longer hikes too.

Dripping Springs is about a 1.5 mile (3 mile round trip), fairly level hike on a well-marked path. You park at the visitor center parking lot, pay the $5.00 per vehicle day-use fee, and off you go. As you hike, you do climb gradually in elevation, so keep remembering to turn around and look behind as the view of the valley keeps getting better and better. The trail ends at the location of what was once a hotel and then a sanitorium, all of which was abandoned by the early 1900s. You end up hiking right to the base of the mountains, so it gets very scenic in an area already full of good scenery.

The ruins of several buildings can be visited, and there are information signs as well. Give yourself a half-day at least, and don't do this in the dead of summer. Carry some water as there is none once you leave the visitor center, but there is a restroom at the end of the trail.

Beautiful and interesting hike into the Organ Mountains. If you catch it after there has been some rain, you'll see small waterfalls!

The hike to Dripping Springs is 1 1/2 miles uphill into mountain air. My wife gave up and turned back. I found it difficult at my age (68) to make it to the spring. The dripping spring may be picturesque, but there's nothing so special as to require a hike of that distance. If you're young and in good physical condition, it wouldn't be so hard to hike on a nice day. There are other trails available with less stringent requirements. The views about halfway up are the best part.

We can see the park from our house and it is a must visit when we have out of town guests! We love the friendly hosts and guides at the park.

We stooped for a scenic walk on a day driving from AZ towards TX. We did the trail up to the dripping spring and old TB clinic. Easy wide path

I am so glad they made this part of a National Monument. Ranger staff were great and the hike was well worth it. It is easily accessible from Las Cruse where we stayed. I recommend going in the afternoon when the sun is on the mountains. You get so close to the range of cliffs that it makes for beautiful photos. Lots of wildlife and flora. Accessible and safe for novice as well as experienced hikers. It is a gently climbing 3 mile (5 km) stroll.

The visitor center has nice exhibits and a lovely front porch. You can hike as far as you like, up to the old TB sanitorium if you feel frisky. Remember the elevation here is above 5000 feet.
To think that ill people used to ride west on the steam trains, alight in Las Cruces, and then ride 17 miles in a stage coach up into these mountains is just fascinating! All I can say is, what a ride! If they survived that trip, they probably had a good chance to whip TB.

We are around 80 so the 1.5 mile walk steadily uphill on loose gravel was a bit challenging. Fortunately we went in the cool of the morning and carried water. Beautiful views all the way up and back. Great history and scenery on this walk. Very nice and informative visitor center staffed by very friendly and informative volunteer. Highly recommend this when you are in Las Cruces.

I have been going to Drippng Springs Natural Area for years and have always enjoyed the hiking and the people. Always something new to experience!

Take Dripping Springs Road out from Las Cruces to go to various trailheads and to the Organ Peak Mountains site.

Good hiking area, everyone was going to dripping springs so we went the other way to the cave - I must say the cave was impressive! We enjoyed the hike and were glad not to just be shuffled in with the masses.

This was a very pleasant surprise on our trip to Los Cruces. We didn't really know what to expect, but it was one of the highlights of our vacation. It was a very hot day and it was mid afternoon (maybe the worst time for a hike?), but there was a steady breeze and we didn't even break a sweat. The trail is not that aggressive of a slope. We saw unexpected wildlife and the views are spectacular. Very much worth the time!

I had never heard of the Organ Mountains, but it was love at first sight. We didn't have time to hike any of the trails, but the visitor center was very helpful.

We hiked at Dripping Springs in early August. Take some water with you (none along the trail). It's a pretty easy uphill hike to the spring and ruins. I wasn't terribly impressed with the ruins and the springs are a trickle of water that you can barely see or hear. The Organ Mountains are pretty to look at. You might be better off spending the time hiking the other nearby trails.

This location is about a 20m drive from las cruces. I would reccomend starting early if its in the summer months. We started out to the ruins at about 9:30 and it was 85d. Any later would have been too hot for 2 seniors in fairly good shape. The hike straight to ruins in only 3 miles round trip, but is a steady incline to top, not too steep, but in the heat, take water and rest at benches provided.

Beautiful views of mountains and the valley below. Oddly, paths are only marked n fairly distant intervals. At one point I ended up scrambling up a steep rocky hill toward an ancient storage area of artifacts (now long gone). and just telling myself: I think I can, I think I can, but at points wasn't sure I wouldn't go sliding back down! Pretty little waterfall on one trail.

Good for bird watching, with beautiful views of the Organ Mountains. Hiking trails are extensive, with a wide range of distances and levels. Paved road access to the center itself. Helpful staff and maps.

Go to the Ranger station and pay your $5 fee to be legal. Super helpful with maps of the trails. The maps, signs and word of mouth all vary for distance.
Do walk all the way to dripping springs and sanatorium ruins. The springs are more toward flowing vs dripping right now.
You will pass the Van Patten camp area, keep going.
It’s not a bad walk you don’t realize the 500 foot grade you made, until the return walk is so much easier.
Bench’s are placed along the way if you need to rest a minute. All the trails were well marked. We don’t have dogs but some trails are ok for dogs , many are not.
The Organ Mountains are beautiful and desert flora. We saw like 10 or 12 mule deer and a multitude of birds. Be aware to watch for snakes and cougar, we did see cougar tracks.
Take time to read the history, enjoy the beauty, take plenty of water and wear good shoes.
They seem to have covered the trail in small rocks, pebbles or dirt would have been easier.
We didn’t have time to do the cave but it looked more up hill.

The cliff dwellings are fantastic and a must see if you are in this area. The hike up is pretty easy. It snowed the day before we went. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes. The volunteers--Rosemary and Dan--were knowledgeable, friendly and very helpful. The ride up to the park is a long and winding road so plan for about 2 plus hours to get to the parking area (no services until you arrive at the park). You can bring water in the way to the cliffs but no food. Plan a snack before and after your hike.

We did the historical Dripping Springs hike and it is one of my all-time favorites. It's definitely not a difficult hike, but we found the history and the ruins to be fascinating. We also found a couple of short trails off the main trail, which offered even more great views. We visited with a 12 year old and even he was captivated. I just wish we had more days in Las Cruces to explore the other trails.

Saw history,experienced nature, topped off by deer sightings and had a fantastic hike! Wonderful scenery, and lots of humming birds at the welcome center....A must do if you are close to Las Cruces!!

I love coming to this place. I purchase a season pass so I can enjoy it when ever I like. I have a child with Autism that is not so keen on dogs and this place does not allow pets at all and we like that. We like dogs but not when we are trying to get away from barking animals in our own lives. It's a very beautiful place to hike and we love that it is so close.

Turned left at the wrong sign in town and ended up driving to Dripping Springs. Good mistake. Ranger told us about the trails and some history. Decided we'd go for a walk. Neither of us ready to hike, wife was in a dress and sandals! Made the trek to the cave and really enjoyed the scenery and the history of the place. Very cool. Love to go back prepared and make a day of it.

This scenic location in the Organ Mountains provides opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and birding. La Cueva is good for picnics and birds in winter. Dripping Springs is a pleasant 2-3 mile round trip hike with gentle grades and a historic site at the end. The Springs attract birds in summer.

We took friends from Quebec there and drove to a parking spot closer to the cave. It was a pleasant hike with beautiful views and a variety of cactus along the way, making it a great way to get outside for 1-2 hours with our visiting friends!

Nice way to spend a morning and get outside!
Relatively easy hike on wide trails..but some good views and great history.
Short drive out of town.

Good hike for us “once in a while” hikers. Wear good closed toed shoes, take water, wear sunscreen. Neat building- used as an old resort and TB Sanitarium. Buildings are closed up, but you can still see some wallpaper and an old tub through the wired windows. Saw beautiful butterflies, chipmunks and mule deer. GO EARLY IN THE DAY this time of year because of the heat!

My hike was a 4 mile round trip with the first mile being uphill on an old gravel road. There are 4 trees with shade and a place to sit otherwise you are exposed to the Sun and heat. Bring water, wear a hat and enjoy the beauties of Nature.

There were some nice rocks and views. It was worth a stop but enjoyed other areas more. The trail has gravel that adds to fatigue when walking up the hill.

Dripping Springs is a very nice place to hike close to Las Cruces. The walk is easy, not challenging, and pleasant for all ages.

Me and my family try and get out here at least a few times a year. Moe often if out schedule allows. We have a 14 year old 9 year old and 3 year old and they all really love it. We pack lunches and hike to the water fall and relax in the cool shade. Such beautiful views!!

Read about his place with the wife while we were in Las Cruces. We went there after visiting the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, which was right down the road. This was a very interesting place and the hike was relatively easy. The views are great, but be sure to take lots of water with you!!

Dripping Springs Natural Area is part of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument. The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument is a United States National Monument in New Mexico, managed by the Bureau of Land Management as part of the National Landscape Conservation System.

Dripping Springs is in the Mesilla Valley, in Las Cruces, NM. It is a natural Mountain site with great mountain trails and real dessert vistas. It is beautiful and a different experience.

Remember that the hike is up hill, as this is a mountain, and hot, as this is the desert; I would suggest that you bring plenty of water and wear good footwear. We wear hiking boots as sneakers tend to slip. We also bring walking sticks with us, their a nice safety feature to have. Most importantly, don't forget a hat and cover your arms...use plenty of sunblock!

Preparation is important when hiking in the desert, but well worth the beautiful scenery you will see.

We have entered a date of travel, as that is the only option given. We live 1/2 mile from the entrance to this beautiful recreation site.

There is no way you can even begin to know what it is like here until you show up and walk the trails yoursel.f. It was so beautiful, I can't even describe it

A nice stop, good quiet place to think and take in the beauty of nature. Easy road access, a few picnic shelters noted.

Even the guy out of shape can make this hike just bring water and do it on a cool day. Pretty cool to think back in the 1920s there' was a working hotel up there. And now you still see what is remaining.

Easy hike up a beautiful rock canyon to a impresssive waterfall. Lots of fauna & animals to observe. While up there don't miss the chance to hike the La Cueva also. Magnificent huge rock formations.

The dripping springs natural area literally calls to you from the breathtaking Organ Mountains that pose as the backdrop for Las Cruces. The rangers at the station are very helpful and love to chat about the history and beauty of the area. You will pay $5 cash or credit to hike on the BLM land and it's worth every penny. Suggest taking the dripping springs loop which is approx 3 miles round trip with moderate incline. Rest stops, tables, bathrooms and historic buildings await you on the trail. We went in October and there was hardly any water in the springs but still a very fun hike.

Please note that the hikes in the monument may be a bit hard for old fat guys like me. Take my word for it, do it. It's not to hard as in hilly and the views and history of the area make it well worth the "e" word as in exercise.

This is a nice little park that offers interesting history and fun hiking trails. The views are wonderful and the visitor Center is staffed and friendly. The cacti were in bloom and the air was so clean. This is a great day trip. Bring snacks and beverages.

Nice hiking trails outside Las Cruces. There is an old sanatorium that was built at the turn of the century on the trail. It was there to help TB patients in the past. Cool other old structures from the past.

Really pretty and well maintained trail that leads to a small waterfall at the end. Once you get to the tuberculous sanatorium you can continue past it to the left but you definitely need good hiking boots and a walking stick. You can also continue past the sanatorium by going underneath it using some steps.

This place is truly beautiful and the hiking is wonderful. Not to strenuous but you know you are on a hike. It's what you suspect New Mexico to be like from watching all the old westerns when you were a kid.

Great place to go for a hike. The views are beautiful! You can also camp if you want in the campground.

Dripping Springs - Fillmore - La Cueva loop. Very pretty. Well maintained trail. Great moderate hike. If west wind is over 20 mph consider doing Pine Tree Loop on the eastern side of the mountains instead since it will be much calmer.

Fairly easy hike on good path. But hard to see the Dripping Spring because it was dripping. Not sure it was worth the effort.

No matter your ability, do a hike at Dripping Springs. The scenery is incredible! Even if you just want a mild stroll, there's a path for you.

Beautiful views, moderate difficulty hike, friendly park rangers. I definitely recommend a visit to this area.

Plenty of historical buildings. Beautiful natural area. Visit after rain or snow to see water at the springs. Hike early to avoid crowds. BLM does a lousy job of trail maintenance - uses tons of crushed gravel which makes trail hard on the joints but otherwise a great area to visit.

Dripping Springs is a must see. Seeing in believing. Once you leave the city below, it's fresh air and calmness that can only be experienced. The crispness and freshness in the air rejuvenates the body and mind. It's so peaceful and alive with nature. Just sitting at the Visitor building is relaxing; watching the many hummingbirds buzz around just feet in front of you. The view of the blue skies and mountains are breathtaking. They have different length trails for everyone. This was truly being right in the middle of God's country.

One of my favorite parks to attend. It is great for either a family picnic or taking a challenging little approximately 4 mile hike. The views facing the east are awesome. you also get a feeling of how majestic the mountains are by looking up at them while on the hiking trails.

Easy hike with historic scenery that ends by the remains of an old hotel and TB cabins from the late 1800s. Love climbing on the rocks and the views are spectacular. If there's enough rainfall, you will actually see the dripping springs waterfalls. Lots of places to sit and rest along the trail, as well as some shady areas. My favorite hiking trail in Las Cruces!

This moderately easy hike in the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument is a must for anyone visiting Las Cruces, New Mexico. Not only do you get a chance for an up close look at the Organs, but it's also a walk back in history. Don't miss it.

This is not a difficult hike, but you must be aware of the heat and time your visit accordingly. That may sound obvious, but I think we would have enjoyed it more early in the morning. Of course you should bring adequate water (and then bring extra if you aren't used to the dry/hot/elevation), wear appropriate shoes and clothing for the weather and terrain and bring sunblock. While there are a few shaded places, most of the time you are in the sun. I was with someone who loves ruins, and they really enjoyed this hike.

We hiked with our two dogs for a little over two miles. Beautiful views and a very nice hike..... very rocky though so West proper boots !

Last Wednesday, March 13,2019 was unusually windy for this time of year. I rode out to Dripping Springs, to get close to the mountains without being on the mountains. It was too late in the day to go hiking and the weather wasn’t good for hiking anyway. There was snow on the peaks, and 50 mph winds. Still a gorgeous spot. The wind howling around the restrooms is an eerie sound. Drop by on a nice day, and enjoy the scenery.

The visitor center rangers were very friendly and helpful. I went on the dripping falls hike even though there hasn't been much rain. The ranger said it was just barely dripping but still nice. He was right I could hear water dripping but didn't see any water.

The hike was a little harder than I expected but that was because I live at an altitude of less than 300 and Las Cruces is over 3000.

Great place to spend a few hours walking hiking and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The mountains are stark. Many desert plants, just marvel at the scenery.

About 20 years ago, a friend and I were driving cross country and we were talking to a local who recommended visiting here. However, his directions were not that great and Google Maps and GPS did not exist. So after spending too much time lost, we never made it. Fast forward to January 2023, when I am driving from Fort Stockton to Tuscon and ZAP! It occurs to me that I will be in the vicinity of Dripping Springs. I was so excited to get to the parking area and the welcome center and fulfill the efforts of two decades earlier. The woman working at the welcome center was so kind and shared so much information about the place. I did not have much time but I mentioned the cave that local from years ago had told me about. She encouraged me to drive out to the trail and hike up to the cave and I am so happy I did. Although I didn’t get to explore more than that, I hope to make it back again one day and really spend some quality time there.

Great place to do hiking, from easy, to moderate, to hard. A place to hike solo, with friends and kids.

Near the Visitor's Center (which has limited offerings and no store) it's a heavily trafficked trail. My advice is to start early in the day or go late afternoon as there is no shade. The trail itself is filled in completely with stones, which makes it a bit hard hiking.
What I liked about the trail is the historical buildings; there is an old sanatorium and resort located at the end of the trail. Nice view of the valley as you come back down.

Easy for anyone and a must do for the area. Where else can you do so much for a couple of bucks! Many paths to choose from, carry a few bottles of water though. Make sure you take the empties with you as you'll see some slobs have been there.

My husband and i went later morning to visit the ruins of the Dipping Springs Resort Hotel, the Dipping springs and cave and the sanatorium. The drive is 30 min from Las Cruces and there is a nice visitors center at the parking area. The trail is 1.5 miles and is not shaded or by the mountains, so bring good shoes and water. Once you get to the area it is great fun to see the Resort ruins in between three mountains, the dipping springs and the cistern built above it, and the sanatorium, which is still standing. We went the day after a snow, so there was still snow on the mountains and quite near the trail. All told the hike we took lasted 2 hours and we didn't need a jacket in February. Early morning or late evening would be colder. Definitely recommend.

Dripping Springs is a gorgeous part of the majestic Organ Mountains in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Definitely worth the time to visit. Incredible hiking opportunities here.

On our way back from White Sands to Las Cruces, we took Nasa Road/Baylor Canyon Road south for a beautiful mid-afternoon drive, sun shining on the Organ Mountains. There is an informative historical marker along the road that identifies the main peaks and valleys, and explains some of the area history.

We turned left on Dripping Springs Road and stopped at the visitor center. The attendant checked our pass and was helpful in explaining options for hikes to the (now dry) waterfalls, and a cave. We didn't have time for a hike but enjoyed the late afternoon sun on the rocks and great mountain view.

We visited this and had a fun adventurous time here. Went on a 2.5 mile hike to see all the hidden "gems". Make sure to take a backpack with water and snacks. Wear comfortable shoes and be aware of your surroundings...there are rattlesnakes out there.

Great day trip! We were staying in the Las Cruces area for Thanksgiving and wanted to get a little closer to the mountains we could see in the distance. Small visitors center but there were able to direct us on a short hike that went through some ruins of structures built by an early developer of the area. Lots of families with small children on this hike. We returned the next day and brought a picnic lunch and did a second hike that was a little more primitive and eventually led back to a small waterfall. The park hosts at the visitors center were very helpful and admission to the park was only $5 per car per day. Beautiful area and so glad we found this!

We spent about 2 hours in this little quaint area. The hike is not hard as hikes go, but It's hot and we were here in May. 101 degrees I think. Only 3 miles round trip though and after 1.5 miles it ends in a little canyon with a lot of trees. Bring lots of cold water!

Historical site, a moderate walk/hike. Great trail, and be scene is beautiful. Neat to read the historical stories. Around 3 miles total.

This was a beautiful hike to see ruins of a sanatorium, hotel and winter camp and Dripping Springs up in the mountains of Las Cruces. Nice hike not to strenuous well worth the climb. Use your national park pass.

Great hiking areas nestled in the Organ Mountains and views of the Rio Grande River Valley and the Mesilla Valley.

We almost didn't make it here but I am so glad we did! We were on the hike which was really easy for us (we're young and really athletic) but I saw a few people along the way really struggling with it so keep that in mind as it's very hot on the way up!

My favorite part was all the abandoned buildings along the way. I just thought they were fantastic to see and loved taking pictures of them!

They give you a little bit of history to go along with as well which was super fascinating to know that people were actually making this trip regularly as it seems pretty out there from how the roads are set up now!

We got to the top and climbed the mountain- it was a little iffy. If you're not used to that kind of thing I might avoid it because there were times that I was hesitating but we ended up getting to the top overlooking it all and it was incredible!

Be careful along the sides of the abandoned resort! I was taking a picture and backed up too far into the rope and ended up with tons of little prickly things in my leg... had to cut them all out and it wasn't fun!

Nice place for a family outing with an easy hike and picnic.Couple of different trails to explore and picnic areas to enjoy the outdoors.

Spent a few hours here on the Dripping Springs trail. There's a cute little visitors center at the base of the trail with clean restroom facilities. The folks at the visitors center were super friendly and helpful! Great to see the landscape and plant life change as you go from the town of las cruces to the mountains. Trail is clean, wide, great for families with kids :D

I love the Organ mountains and this is the most perfect area to build a home. I think any lot would have a magical view of the organs.

An easy hike the trail takes you back in time to the 1800s we have such an amazing history here in New Mexico.

A very easy and moderate one-bottle of water hike (really a walk) that is perfect for 1st time visitors to Las Cruces. Very scenic with lots of wildlife, but do wear sneakers (not open toed shoes) as the path is gravel. FYI; You need to be able to walk 2 miles at 5,000 feet, but they do have some shaded benches along the way. Dogs are NOT allowed on the Dripping Springs trail. Personal Note; I take all my first time visitors on this walk and everybody loves it.

We really enjoyed the walk to the sanitarium (1 1/2 miles) up, 3 miles total with walking back to parking lot. The views are incredible. I have a bad hip so had a bit of a problem with the hike and was unable to make it to the hermits cave but my husband walked to it and said he found that extremely interesting. We went towards the end of the summer and the humming birds were all over the place.

Haha - don't pet the snakes! Easy or more difficult walks/hikes - we did the easy. No dogs allowed, because irresponsible pet owners didn't pick up poop and the staff are all volunteers. Good for birders since there is a daily chart of birds sighted. Parking is pay unless you're just wandering around the Center

The mountains are beautiful and there is tons of vegetation and wildlife to see and identify. Enjoy nature and appreciate it's beauty.

Why do people like this terrible hike? It’s a 3 mile out and back on a gravel road with essentially no interesting aspects. We hiked with three kids who are really excellent hikers and they hated it because it was just so boring. Skip.

Absolutely beautiful area! Awesome morning hike for our family. Recommend the La Cueva trail for families with young kids. Perfect for our 4-9 aged girls. Go early when it’s cooler and bring your water.

Nature at it's finest. The cave was stupendous. Easy hiking. The rangers were helpful.

I'd advise an early morning visit.

The hike to the dripping springs was an uphill hike on lots of loose rocks & gravel. Not an easy hike for the average 60 year old but not that bad either. It’s 1 1/2 miles up then 1 1/2 miles back downhill. Very picturesque & peaceful. Would recommend a sunrise hike with your camera.

An easy 1.5 mile walk from the parking lot, Dripping Springs is a surprising and beautiful place in these rugged desert mountains

If you're coming to Dripping Springs expecting massive water falls and huge lakes, think again. Knowing what to expect, this is a beautiful place to hike. You can see La Cueva, go to the springs, hike up to the cabin, and you'll have amazing views no matter where you go. The visitors center is a little on the basic side, but it's clean and safe.

I'm currently living in North Georgia, so I really enjoyed the aridity and wide-open vistas of this area. I followed some of the trails and stopped in at the visitor's center to learn about the flora and fauna. The staff and the exhibits were great. Well worth the stop, although I wish I had made it BEFORE heading our on the trails.

Dripping Springs has a nice selection of trails with beautiful views of the valley below and of the peaks above. The lady in the visitors center was friendly and provided excellent information. The cost of entering was only $5! And you can get there from Las Cruces in under 30 minutes.

not for the faint hearted.new mexico is a hot part of the country. a huge variety of insects, wildlife, and plants. there is a waterfall and its definetly worth the hike. i reccomend you to check out the catwalk in new mexico if you really want an authentic southwest outdoors experience that you will remember a lifetime...
god took his time on that one...

Beautiful park with easy to moderate hikes. It was hard to believe that we were hiking so close to Las Cruces.

Dripping Springs Trail follows the path created by stagecoaches more than a century ago It’s been said, . Today, the stone walls of the resort have crumbled, quietly succumbing to erosion. However, if you have a vivid imagination, you can close your eyes and hear the clatter of horse drawn carriages and buggies bouncing up the rocky road, with a blend of English, Spanish and Tiwa voices filling the air.”

Gates open at 8 in winter. Not a difficult hike. Scenery is nice. Interesting old hotel property at the top. Situated on the west side of the Organ Mountains. Best to hike in the cooler months. If you want a more challenging hike, pick one of the many others in the area.

We have hiked this trail for years, each time amazed at the beauty within the canyon. It is not a difficult trail, but one must still bring water, and wear smart shoes. I highly recommend this hike to anyone that wants a lovely to place to spend any day.

I was so surprised at how much I enjoyed this visit. It has a rare beauty of its own. Lots of history including its former occupants and we saw some deer, snakes, bugs and birds singing so happily. I very restful place. The walk wasn't too long either not a hike really just a bit of a ramble so quite manageable for older or less able people. Sensible shoes is a suggestion. There is plenty of fresh drinking water at the visitor center. It has made me want to understand better some of the rock formations and geology - so great experience for embarking on a small study too.
The staff were very pleasant and helpful and we really liked their ecological stance on re-usable water bottles. A nominal charge of $5 was well worth the price to be there. Great stuff.

Little spring had some water when we visited and that was nice surprise in otherwise dry area. Nice hike, good trail with slight slope. Very friendly staff at visitor center.

The trail was very sunny, not much in the way of shade. There are a couple of spots with a bench under a tree. Gravel makes up the majority of the trail. There are some ruins of historic buildings and pretty scenery on the gently sloping route. The dripping springs was barely a trickle out of the rocks that ran down and came out a pipe down below.

Bring lots of water, wear sunscreen and hats. Leave your pets at home. Dogs are not allowed beyond the .5 mile mark on the 1.5 mile trail and it is far too hot to leave them in the car. The picnic tables are in the full sun, but you can eat in the shady courtyard of the visitor center. No food is available. Restrooms at visitor center and vault toilet near the springs.

It took us about three hours to complete the hike! The walk was moderate and the views were awesome! The weather was great but I highly recommend to bring a snack and some water.

Absolutely beautiful hike. Saw some wildlife (tarantulas, eeek!) and got to see a gorgeous sunset. Definitely worth your time.

We had rain and wind but still enjoyed this lovely spot. It is perfect for short hikes or just a ride through. A few campers were there but mostly day hikers. We had to move on but would have loved to spend more hours on the trails.

My husband and I went and hiked (easy) Dripping Springs and then enjoyed a picnic afterwards, we enjoyed the views and the birds and the quiet. We went to the area where the hermit lived and then later went to Mesilla to the graveyard where he was buried and found his grave. It was really interesting.

Took my grandbaby there for her first hike when she was only 2 months old. The hummingbirds close to the springs were curious to see what that little pink bundle was. Fond memories combined with easy hiking.

Nice views, cool ruins and a pretty easy hike. Of course, there was no dripping spring ... guess need to visit during monsoon season. The ruins just to the left of the spring were real cool.

My husband and I did this one on the 4th of July. For two slightly out of shape 40 year olds we were pleased with plenty of shaded benches along the way. The hike up you gain 500 ft in elevation. There is pea sized to golf ball size gravel the entire way (1.5 mile each way) which is like walking in sand uphill and you will feel this the next day. This being said, the end of the trail is full of great ruins, old buildings and depending on rainfall, a waterfall (not when we were there). Go early, take LOTS of water - camelbak people - hat and closed toed shoes. Don't wear sandals, just don't. This is not the time to be cute. One of the best things to do in Las Cruces, 5 bucks a car, no dogs.

Easy hike, great views. Best time of the day would be to start around 10 am not to warm yet, and if you plan it just right you'll be back in time to enjoy a nice picnic at their picnic grounds!

We enjoyed a great hike into the Dripping Springs area. It was a pretty easy hike that had some cool historical sites at the end.

This attraction sits at the base of the Organ Mountains which are impressive. However, everything you see on the trails is brush and wild grasses. Old buildings are unimpressive. As far as the views are concerned you can get the same views from your car! The real downside to this place is the trails. Mostly river rock so twisting an ankle is a good possibility. Wasted my time here.

We love this place. Have gone many times. We love to take our visitors here. It’s a real treat to see the waterfall after it’s rained. Highly recommend!

There are several hiking paths you can take but would need at least two hours for the shortest at an average speed. Most of the routes do not allow dogs but I know that at least one, Fillmore Falls, does. It's $5 per car. Paths are well maintained and marked.

Great area near the New Mexico Farm and Ranch museum. Great view of the "A" for Aggies on the hill with several paths for the students to hike the hill.

We did a couple of hikes here, through arid-yet-blooming country. The combination of yuccas, chollo and prickly pear cacti, swarms of wild flowers - yellows, whites, purples - the clumps of colours and shapes belie the dryness of the area. The mountains towered over us like guardians; the sky such a deep, crisp blue! Well worth our time.

It is a great place to visit, take beautiful pictures from sunrises to sunsets, and anything in between. This place is amazing.

We hiked the trail to the sanitarium and old resort. The mountain scenery of the organ mountains s was spectacular. The hike is ok for the unacclimated to altitude. It would be great to be there at sundown. I highly recommend this area for a visit.

Mule deer, desert plants, historic buildings, trail well marked, $5 per vehicle to park, about 3 miles round trip at 4000 ft plus elevation, easier coming back downhill, children can do it but bring water and sunscreen and good shoes

Heard great things about this place but wasn't sure what to expect. Was completely blown away by beautiful it was. Doesn't seem like a place that belongs in the middle of the desert. It's its own oasis. The hike out to it was nice and easy. Seeing all the old buildings was really cool. The falls when I went was flowing really well and it was absolutely beautiful. One of the best hikes I've done.

This is a beautiful area with gorgeous views, and some cool historic buildings, the natural spring which is still there.

The hike up is a bit of a challenge - 500 ft elevation gain, steady uphill grade for most of the trail right from the get go, graveled well maintained trail but it's pretty deep gravel and large rocks in some places. Steep stairs. The Spring itself is lovely even if it's not dripping much.

Took us right at 2 hours to get to the Springs, view the camp and sanatorium, etc. You could easily spend more time. (Pets are not allowed on the trail to the spring only in certain areas/on certain trails). Definitely take water, sunscreen, and I would recommend a personal first aid kit just in case.

Amazing sculpture put together with recycled materials. It is in the perfect location overlooking Las Cruces as you come down off the mesa on Interstate 10 East. To get a full view of the "bird", you need to pull off a the rest area before going down the hill on I-10. The rest area is a great area to take a break, take a picnic, or just see the view (day or night). There is parking by the bird, so you can walk up to it very easily. Perfect for "selfies". You'll be amazed and thankful you stopped.

This is an outstanding natural area. There are many trails but most are for folks who are fit enough for hiking. The visitor center is rugged and sets the stage for a beautiful hike. Bring your own water.

loved it go there you will have a good time there go there hiking is everywhere there the mens the drive you will see the city and the mens to enjoy it

A beutiful spot on the edge of town. Hikes to previous town and stagecoach area available fro visitor center. Some of the surrounding hikers are difficult and not good for those who may be disabled not in tinned to hot desert hikes
Lots of different birds to see surrounding the visitor center and helpful staff. Will return for sure. Go in early morning and bring water

Nice easy hike. We went as soon as they opened, so as to not be in the heat of the day. Saw a roadrunner, deer and the oryx. And of course birds. The 'spring' was not flowing very well the day we went. That said it was still worth the hike, so much history on the way to the spring.

We drove up the road from Interstate 25 to see this natural area. Unfortunately we arrived too late in the day to make the hike out to the spring. We did enjoy a very nice sunset though. The area is high desert and the surrounding peaks offer a nice back drop for pictures.

This short hike is great for beginners. Well maintained trail with plenty to see along the way. Get some New Mexico history as well.

Loved walking the numerous trails. You can discover the remnants of a resort - hard to believe that a large resort was situated so far out. Beautiful views of the mountains. We really enjoyed our exploration of the area.

Beautiful Trails! A little hidden waterfall and an old timers cave! The mountains are incredible! A lot of very nice picnic area with restrooms!

My friends and I did this 3-4 mile round-trip on our first full day in Las Cruces. The main trail in and out is moderate with good footing, and if you want something a bit more challenging you can keep going past the Springs up to an old reservoir and other features (one of my friends has bad knees, so we kept to the shorter trip). Or just enjoy the views and the landscape on the way.

I really enjoyed spending time here. We were staying in Las Cruces to visit White Sands and we spent some time in this gorgeous natural area.

Pay $5 per car at the visitor center. Wear hat and use sunscreen as there is hardly any shade. Gradual elevation and easy hike. Go early morning to avoid the heat. We went after heavy rain the day before and there was a lot of water flowing! The visitor center can provide some info about the history of the place and the abandoned buildings. Once you get to the sanatorium, there are stairs on the left side that leads to the continuation of the trail. This part is a bit harder for those not used to hiking - it is doable without walking sticks and wearing tennis shoes. Back at the visitor center, stop to see the many hummingbirds feeding.

This area is just outside of Las Cruces. We opted to take the hike up to the old sanatorium. It was an easy upgrade. The trail is wide and heavily graveled, which made the footing a bit challenging at times, almost like walking in soft sand. The view from the top looks out over the valley and the city of Las Cruces. Interesting historical buildings as well as a beautiful natural area.

Friend and I attended the guided hike to the Hermit’s Cave. We got there early enough to look inside the visitor center and take few photos.
Courtney was well-prepared and informative.

Easily accessible from Las Cruces this area offers opportunities for sightseeing, hikes or other recreational activities. Early visits are best. Bring water.

Nice visit late December 2016. Couple mile walk. No rocks to climb over on the path, but path is loose gravel so a good amount of exercise -- like walking on a sandy beach. Cool but sunny the day we were there. Probably hot in summer as there is almost no shade on the trail.
Ruins of historic buildings of hotel and sanatorium quite interesting.
Another review mentioned no restroom facilities—but they DO have them. Nice flush facilities at the visitor center and pit toilets at the end of trail.
Dogs are not appropriate in this area. To the other reviewer that was disappointed when they found out that dogs are not allowed: I am sorry you were disappointed, but glad you had enough character to follow the rules and not walk your dog there. Unfortunately the afternoon we were there we saw 3 other dog owners who were not quite so caring.

I've known about Dripping Springs since before I got a driver’s license. Back in the early 80’s Dripping Springs was located on private land owned known as the Wilcox Ranch. During these early years, I and several friends would traverse the road to the entry way which use to have a building standing that was the stables or livery. This building is still standing from my last trip there, but the corral has long since been gone. Again, back in my youth, you could travel up to the Luxury Hotel, or the remnants of most the walls and during this time period, a collapsed roof. Nowadays, NMSU archeology society has gone to work preserving and cataloging the site of the Grand Hotel, which I understood, to be the destination of the rich and elites during the early turn of the century. Again, back in the past, we would take the slight hike up the mountain side and enter into the tuberculosis sanitarium buildings, several which were still standing and freely open. We would venture into these buildings and do mostly juvenile acts of defiance. You can rest assured since the site had been granted from the Wilcox family to the State of New Mexico, it has become a park managed by the Bureau of Land Management. They have built a fantastic visitors center which is just about two miles down the hill side. I’ve seen people take their dogs/pets on walks for this easy trail hike up to the stable building, the hotel and sanatorium. All of these housing complex were supplied by the namesake of the area, which is a small basin up on the mountain side that is a natural water retention pond, which years earlier, someone installed a drain/drip line in the bottom of the water basin. Don’t drink the water as it’s mostly stagnant and could very well cause spinal stenosis as I was informed by the park rangers. There are several other hiking trails surrounding Dripping Springs such as La Cueva where the infamous “El Ermaitano” lived until his murder. Likewise, there is a hiking trail up into the side of the Organ Mountains where you can reach a passage known as The Narrows, which has a spectacular waterfall of several feet. Onward is a trail that will cross over to the opposite side where you can reach Aguirre Springs on the East side of Organ Mountains. There are several missile fuselages from White Sands Missile Range you can find along the trail, but all these are way more advance hiking trips that I might try to cover later.

Spent a few hours here just climbing and looking around. Five dollar park fee is only cost. See if you can find what may have been a water reservoir or perhaps a swimming pool? Also check out the cave home and cooking area. Wear good gripping shoes for comfortable climbing!

The drive up is beautiful as you approach the Organ Mountains. We checked out the two main trailheads, and I did a quick hike up to "the springs" while my wife did some sketching. The spring was actually dripping in late March! On my hike I ended up in the middle of a herd of about 30-40 mule deer who were wandering across the trail. I'd certainly like to get back sometime to check out the other trails - but only on a cool morning.

the hike is long but worth it! much to see and great views of the city! Enjoyed the cascade and old buildings.

This area has a nice three mile walk on a gravel path. There is a parking fee of $5 however that is collected at the building near the parking lot.

Beware of cougar it is there home your in . Encounters are very rare but it could happen Deer and birds are abundant and Picnic areas a plentiful

This is one of those places that might be easy to miss while en route to one of the more 'famous' attractions (like White Sands or Carlsbad) - don't! This is well worth a stop and a short hike takes you to some of the ruined structures of days past. The views are spectacular, the hike gentle, and the docent in the visitor center a wealth of information. Well worth a stop!!

As older travelers, this walk back in was challenging because it's a loose rock path and the elevation change and the high altitude. There are some ruins once you get back in there that are fascinating but it does just drip!

We were the first ones up the hill that day and it was a very peaceful hike! Beautiful scenery, saw a few deer. The trail is very gravelly/rocky so make sure you bring appropriate footwear. We hiked up to the old fort and snooped around a little bit, read the signs, snapped a few pics and made our way back. Bring water!

We only heard of this place at the Branigan Cultural Center in Las Cruces and decided to check it out that afternoon. It was only a 20 min drive and the volunteers in the Visitor Center were very welcoming and helpful

We took the Dripping Springs Trail, which took us 45 mins up and about 35 mins down. It has a steady gradient, but is a well-defined shale path. The views are great, you can see deer and oryx and the buildings at the end are really interesting and make for great photos.

Dripping Springs was an unexpected pleasure. It was a great half day out of Las Cruces.

This is very close to Las Cruces and provides a great hour or two escape into the hills to see some neat history. The hike is easy and very pleasant. It is fun to see the old hotel ruins and tuberculosis sanatorium.

was here last September and went hiking with family and a 9 month old. real pretty, senic and need to take a meal for your trip, lots of water you will spend a few hours. easy to hike.

We hiked up to the Sanitarium and scrambled up behind the Dripping Springs. On the return trip, we took the long route back around via the Crawford, Fillmore Canyon and La Cueva trails. Lovely SW terrain that allowed us to get our hearts pumping.

Skip the cave trail, and hike to dripping springs, the sanitarium and Van Patten Camp. Its an fairly easy hike, good for kids and those that don't do a lot of hiking. The Organ Mtns scenery is great.

I wanted to check out the Las Cruses area and I found this lil gem of a park. It’s very peaceful with plenty of hiking possibilities. Worth a few minute drive out of town.

Wonderful trails, but, it's DRY so have plenty of water with you, good hiking shoes, and a walking stick as there are lots of desert creatures naturally living among the Rocks, including rattle snakes. With humidity around 10% and heat indexes of over 100 in the summer, dress accordingly, and can't stress enough, take adequate water along for your trek. Cell phone reception is spotty, ok in spots, not so in other.

Well delineated path with rocks. Ruins of settlement and sanatorium at mountain base. About 3 miles. Easy on a cool morning or day.

A couple of nice hikes, but nothing terribly challenging. Be forewarned that the hike out to the dripping springs itself is not pet-friendly. However, dogs are permitted on the falls hike, and it's a lovely spot once you get there. Trails are reasonably well marked. It's a nice way to burn off a few calories without breaking a huge sweat.

Dripping Springs trail is a great, fairly easy hike. It is only about two miles to the springs. The path is gravel. If you have hiking poles, they will help you through the gravel. The trail goes up about 600 ft. At the end of the trail is a small mountain waterfall. There are also the remains of the Dripping Springs Resort. It had 16 rooms, a large dining room, and a concert hall. It was very popular around the turn of the century. Finished the hike by returning on the same trail but this time the two-mile trek is all down hill. Overall, the hike took about two hours

My kids really enjoyed the hike, they are 3yrs and a 7yrs old. It was a great experience and the people where very informative.

Dripping Springs is a great place to visit because of the great hiking trails that take you into the very beautiful mountain areas of the Oregons.

We returned to Dripping Springs on two separate days to do some hiking. The trails are well maintained and the scenery is fantastic.

Dripping Springs is fairly easy to get to. There is not a lot of water. We enjoyed the hike. You probably want to plan going in early Spring or Fall.

we were driving through on our way to Tucson, and had some time to kill, and decided to come here for a short hike.
We were here shortly after 8, and it was open, yay, (coming from Canada, and hearing about all the shutdowns, we just weren't sure), and it was a beautiful morning.
We choose to walk back to the springs, and there was a little bit of water coming down the rocks.
We loved how the light played on the cliffs and the different birds that we saw.
We are so glad we stopped here.

I hadn't been here for more than a decade, and I wish I could have spent more time here this time around. The visitors' center has been upgraded since I was last here (not sure how long ago) and has an interesting little museum attached to it. The (vehicle) road leading to the area is in much nicer condition, too. I look forward to coming here again - for longer - the next time I'm in the area.

One of my favorite destinations for close to 40 years, the area is now part of the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument and, as such, very well marked and maintained. The walk itself is lovely and undemanding, with many of the crumbling structures at trail's end looking better than they have in years. Wildlife abounds, so keep your eyes peeled . Should you decide to continue climbing past the ruins, there are gorgeous views down into the valley. All in all, a wonderfully relaxing day trip.

There is admission fee. The mountains are very nice. The 1.5 mile trail to the dripping spring is up hill toward the mountain. Make sure you take water and put on sun screen. The dripping spring is well named. Not much to it.

We always enjoy the walking trails, the view and just being out in nature. Would highly recommend going at the end of the day to see amazing sunsets or early in the morning for the sunrises.