In 1857, businessman and transportation entrepreneur John Butterfield was
awarded a contract to establish an overland mail route between the eastern
United States and growing populations in the Far West. What became known as
the Butterfield Overland Trail made an arcing sweep across the southern rim of
the country. Stagecoaches left twice a week carrying passengers, freight, and
mail.

In 1857, businessman and transportation entrepreneur John Butterfield was awarded a contract to establish an overland mail route between the eastern United States and growing populations in the Far West. What became known as the Butterfield Overland Trail made an arcing sweep across the southern rim of the country. Stagecoaches left twice a week carrying passengers, freight, and mail.

A site along the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail

Presidio Chapel of San Elizario

Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail

Mesilla Valley Bosque State park preserves a bosque along the Rio Grande. The
park consists of river woodlands and restored wetlands. It is used by
migratory birds, and is popular for birdwatching, walking, and bicycling.  
  
The park is located on the Rio Grande near Las Cruces and 1.5 miles from
historic Mesilla. Visitors have many opportunities to view wildlife in natural
surroundings while strolling one of the self-guided nature trails. Enjoy a fun
ranger-led tour!  
  
It is a day-use only park, and camping is not allowed.  
  
Park Elevation is 3,879 ft.  
Make a reservation on the New Mexico State Parks reservation website.

Mesilla Valley Bosque State park preserves a bosque along the Rio Grande. The park consists of river woodlands and restored wetlands. It is used by migratory birds, and is popular for birdwatching, walking, and bicycling. 

The park is located on the Rio Grande near Las Cruces and 1.5 miles from historic Mesilla. Visitors have many opportunities to view wildlife in natural surroundings while strolling one of the self-guided nature trails. Enjoy a fun ranger-led tour! 

It is a day-use only park, and camping is not allowed. 

Park Elevation is 3,879 ft. 
<a href="http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/mesillavalleystatepark.html" rel="nofollow">Make a reservation on the New Mexico State Parks reservation website</a>.

Bird's eye view of the park

Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park

Picacho Peak is a 4959-foot high peak just northwest of Las Cruces. It is a
volcanic mountain composed of rhyolite (mostly quartz and feldspar) that
solidified at the surface approximately 35 million years ago. The recreation
area has over 15 miles of mountain biking, hiking, and equestrian trails. The
1.5 mile trail to the peak provides spectacular views of the Mesilla Valley
and the Organ Mountains. Although most of the recreational use occurs on the
peak, there are also large canyons and mesa tops to explore.

Picacho Peak is a 4959-foot high peak just northwest of Las Cruces. It is a volcanic mountain composed of rhyolite (mostly quartz and feldspar) that solidified at the surface approximately 35 million years ago. The recreation area has over 15 miles of mountain biking, hiking, and equestrian trails. The 1.5 mile trail to the peak provides spectacular views of the Mesilla Valley and the Organ Mountains. Although most of the recreational use occurs on the peak, there are also large canyons and mesa tops to explore.

Picacho Peak Recreation Area

The small, hump-backed Tortugas Mountain rises above the East Mesa to an
elevation of 4,928 feet above sea level. Often called "A" Mountain for the New
Mexico State University (NMSU) Aggies gigantic "A" etched on the west side of
the mountain, a much preferred older name is Tortugas, or "Tortoise" Mountain,
because of its resemblance to a turtle (or several turtles ) making their way
across the desert - when viewed from the south.

The bike trails are used regularly by nearby residents for short, but quality
biking opportunities. The lower trails are a great place for beginners to the
sport. As skills are developed, there are more technical routes available as
well. Maps are posted at both parking lots.

Tortugas Mountain has long been used for mining, ranching, recreation, tribal
ceremonies and scientific studies. The structures visible on top are
communication sites and astronomical observatories managed by NMSU. We ask
that visitors please keep a reasonable distance from these sites. The eastern
side of the Mountain (Monte Vista Parking Area) is managed by the BLM and the
western side (Sunset Parking Area) is managed by NMSU. Both entities recognize
the many impacts being caused by increasing public use and have joined
together to conserve and provide better public use facilities.

The small, hump-backed Tortugas Mountain rises above the East Mesa to an elevation of 4,928 feet above sea level. Often called "A" Mountain for the New Mexico State University (NMSU) Aggies gigantic "A" etched on the west side of the mountain, a much preferred older name is Tortugas, or "Tortoise" Mountain, because of its resemblance to a turtle (or several turtles ) making their way across the desert - when viewed from the south. 
 
The bike trails are used regularly by nearby residents for short, but quality biking opportunities. The lower trails are a great place for beginners to the sport. As skills are developed, there are more technical routes available as well. Maps are posted at both parking lots. 
 
Tortugas Mountain has long been used for mining, ranching, recreation, tribal ceremonies and scientific studies. The structures visible on top are communication sites and astronomical observatories managed by NMSU. We ask that visitors please keep a reasonable distance from these sites. The eastern side of the Mountain (Monte Vista Parking Area) is managed by the BLM and the western side (Sunset Parking Area) is managed by NMSU. Both entities recognize the many impacts being caused by increasing public use and have joined together to conserve and provide better public use facilities.

Tortugas Mountain Recreation Area

The Robledo Mountains Off-Highway Vehicle Trail System is a network of trails,
including both extreme OHV and mountain bike trails, in the southern Robledo
Mountains. The trails are dominated by enormous rocks, making the terrain
extraordinarily challenging for riders. The extreme OHV trails require
specialized vehicles, with locking differentials, winches, and expert drivers.
Vehicle damage is not uncommon on these very difficult OHV trails. The area
also includes the "SST" mountain bike trail, which is open only to non-
motorized uses. It also is an extremely technical trail -- traversing
challenging rocky terrain, steep canyons, and mountain-top ridges -- and
requires expert riding skills.

The Robledo Mountains Off-Highway Vehicle Trail System is a network of trails, including both extreme OHV and mountain bike trails, in the southern Robledo Mountains. The trails are dominated by enormous rocks, making the terrain extraordinarily challenging for riders. The extreme OHV trails require specialized vehicles, with locking differentials, winches, and expert drivers. Vehicle damage is not uncommon on these very difficult OHV trails. 

The area also includes the "SST" mountain bike trail, which is open only to non-motorized uses. It also is an extremely technical trail -- traversing challenging rocky terrain, steep canyons, and mountain-top ridges -- and requires expert riding skills.

Robledo Mountains OHV Trail System

The Prehistoric Trackways National Monument was established in 2009 to
conserve, protect, and enhance the unique and nationally-important
paleontological, scientific, educational, scenic, and recreational resources
and values of the Robledo Mountains in southern New Mexico. The Monument
includes a major deposit of Paleozoic Era fossilized footprint megatrackways
within approximately 5,280 acres.  
  
The trackways contain footprints of numerous amphibians, reptiles, and insects
(including previously unknown species), plants, and petrified wood dating back
280 million years, which collectively provide new opportunities to understand
animal behaviors and environments from a time predating dinosaurs. The site
contains one of the most scientifically-significant Early Permian track sites
in the world.  
  
There are opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and off highway vehicle
driving in portions of the monument. However, viewing Trackway fossils is
limited. At this time, there are no developed sites interpreting the fossils.
To preserve them for ongoing and future scientific study, some trackway
fossils have been removed and transported to the New Mexico Museum of Natural
History and Science, making up the Jerry MacDonald Paleozoic Trackways
Collection. Anyone interested in viewing these fascinating tracks can do so by
visiting the Museum, which offers public tours of their Geoscience Collection,
including the Trackways Collection, by reservation. The Las Cruces Museum of
Nature and Science also has a 30 foot and a 15 foot trackway on display.

The Prehistoric Trackways National Monument was established in 2009 to conserve, protect, and enhance the unique and nationally-important paleontological, scientific, educational, scenic, and recreational resources and values of the Robledo Mountains in southern New Mexico. The Monument includes a major deposit of Paleozoic Era fossilized footprint megatrackways within approximately 5,280 acres. 
 
The trackways contain footprints of numerous amphibians, reptiles, and insects (including previously unknown species), plants, and petrified wood dating back 280 million years, which collectively provide new opportunities to understand animal behaviors and environments from a time predating dinosaurs. The site contains one of the most scientifically-significant Early Permian track sites in the world. There are opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and off highway vehicle driving in portions of the monument. However, viewing Trackway fossils is limited. At this time, there are no developed sites interpreting the fossils. To preserve them for ongoing and future scientific study, some trackway fossils have been removed and transported to the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, making up the Jerry MacDonald Paleozoic Trackways Collection. Anyone interested in viewing these fascinating tracks can do so by visiting the Museum, which offers public tours of their Geoscience Collection, including the Trackways Collection, by reservation. The Las Cruces Museum of Nature and Science also has a 30 foot and a 15 foot trackway on display.

Prehistoric Trackways  National Monument

The Sierra Vista Trail is a 29-mile National Recreation Trail. It is a
nonmotorized recreation trail along the western flank of the Organ Mountains
and the eastern side of the Franklin Mountains.

The trail provides spectacular views of the mountains, which jut majestically
above the desert floor. It is also possible to see wildlife, including mule
deer and coyotes, along the trail. The trail connects to the Franklin Mountain
State Park Trail system in Texas, and it is used primarily by mountain bikers.
While most of the trail is on gravelly uplands, some of the middle sections
near Vado are very sandy and difficult for mountain bikes. There are also
rugged rocky sections where suspension is desirable on mountain bikes.

The Sierra Vista Trail is a 29-mile National Recreation Trail. It is a nonmotorized recreation trail along the western flank of the Organ Mountains and the eastern side of the Franklin Mountains.

The trail provides spectacular views of the mountains, which jut majestically above the desert floor. It is also possible to see wildlife, including mule deer and coyotes, along the trail. The trail connects to the Franklin Mountain State Park Trail system in Texas, and it is used primarily by mountain bikers. While most of the trail is on gravelly uplands, some of the middle sections near Vado are very sandy and difficult for mountain bikes. There are also rugged rocky sections where suspension is desirable on mountain bikes.

Sierra Vista Trail

The Soledad Canyon Day Use Area is at the juncture of two canyons -- Bar
Canyon and Soledad Canyon -- and is in the western foothills of the Organ
mountains. The area includes the three-mile loop Bar Canyon Trail, which
offers an easy and scenic hike very close to Las Cruces. The Bar Canyon Trail
includes scenic vistas of the central Organ Mountains and the southern Mesilla
Valley.

The Soledad Canyon Day Use Area is at the juncture of two canyons -- Bar Canyon and Soledad Canyon -- and is in the western foothills of the Organ mountains. The area includes the three-mile loop Bar Canyon Trail, which offers an easy and scenic hike very close to Las Cruces. The Bar Canyon Trail includes scenic vistas of the central Organ Mountains and the southern Mesilla Valley.

Soledad Canyon Day Use Area

The Peña Blanca WSA is located in the south-central portion of New Mexico on
the eastern edge of Las Cruces. The Peña Blanca rock shelters are the site of
the earliest known cultivated corn in the United States, a primitive variety
with eight rows of kernels.

Per the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act
which became law on March 12, 2019, this web page is currently being updated.
To find more information on the new wilderness areas in New Mexico created by
the Act, please visit:Wilderness Connect

The Peña Blanca WSA is located in the south-central portion of New Mexico on the eastern edge of Las Cruces. The Peña Blanca rock shelters are the site of the earliest known cultivated corn in the United States, a primitive variety with eight rows of kernels.Per the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act which became law on March 12, 2019, this web page is currently being updated. To find more information on the new wilderness areas in New Mexico created by the Act, please visit:<a href="https://wilderness.net/visit-wilderness/find-a-wilderness.php" rel="nofollow">Wilderness Connect</a>

Pe�a Blanca Wilderness Study Area

The Robledo Mountains Wilderness Area is located in the south-central portion
of New Mexico in the Chihuahuan Desert. A diversity of habitats such as
canyons, limestone cliffs, gentle slopes, caves, and riparian areas combine to
make this area unique. Vegetation includes scattered junipers, diverse cacti,
mesquite, creosote bush, and grassland.

Per the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act
which became law on March 12, 2019, this web page is currently being updated.
To find more information on the new wilderness areas in New Mexico created by
the Act, please visit: Wilderness Connect

The Robledo Mountains Wilderness Area is located in the south-central portion of New Mexico in the Chihuahuan Desert. A diversity of habitats such as canyons, limestone cliffs, gentle slopes, caves, and riparian areas combine to make this area unique. Vegetation includes scattered junipers, diverse cacti, mesquite, creosote bush, and grassland. Per the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act which became law on March 12, 2019, this web page is currently being updated. To find more information on the new wilderness areas in New Mexico created by the Act, please visit: <a href="https://wilderness.net/visit-wilderness/find-a-wilderness.php" rel="nofollow">Wilderness Connect</a>

Robledo Mountains Wilderness Area

San Andres National Wildlife Refuge was established by President Franklin D.
Roosevelt under Executive Order 8646 on January 22, 1941 ‘for the conservation
and development of natural wildlife resources’. The refuge’s primary resource
management emphasis focused on restoring a remnant population of desert
bighorn sheep (_Ovis canadensis mexicana_). Located in the southern portion of
the San Andres mountain range in south central New Mexico, the refuge
encompasses 57,215 acres and extends over 21 miles long and 6 miles wide. This
area is the northern most extension of the Chihuahuan Desert and one of the
largest connecting, relatively undisturbed Chihuahuan Desert land masses in
the United States. The steep east slopes rise from 5,000 feet above sea level
to an elevation of 8,900 feet on top of San Andres Peak. The refuge terrain is
steep, rugged mountains and deep canyons. Vegetation communities range from
Chihuahuan desert scrub in the lower elevations to pinyon-juniper woodlands at
higher elevations. The refuge contains isolated spring-generated riparian
areas tucked deep into its canyons, the only riparian habitat between the
Sacramento Mountains to the east and the Rio Grande River to the west.

The San Andres Mountains have had a rich and colorful history. Evidence of
early Native Americans including the Mogollon culture has been found on the
Refuge dating back to 900 AD. Later, Apache tribes defended this land from
European invaders until the 1880s.

For centuries Spanish explorers and others came and went along the west edge
of the San Andres along the Camino Real. Legends persist of lost Spanish gold
throughout the mountains.

Settlers in northern Mexico braved Apache reprisal to gather salt from spring-
fed playas in the Tularosa Basin. On their “salt road,” they drank from San
Nicholas Spring below the Refuge and the tracks from their wooden carts are
still visible today in areas. Several skirmishes were fought between Apache
Chief Victorio and the United States Cavalry in the San Andres Mountains. From
the 1880s well into the Great Depression, prospectors hiked up and down the
mountain range looking for minerals and hoping to strike it rich. The
abandoned workings of old mines remain on the refuge. Ranchers colonized the
area and raised cattle, “steeldust” horses and Angora goats up until the
establishment of the White Sands Missile Range in 1945.

San Andres National Wildlife Refuge now lies within the boundaries of the 2.2
million acre White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), the largest military
installation in the United States. The refuge is also bordered by the US
Department of Agriculture’s Jornada Experimental Range to the west.

Since its establishment, the refuge has worked to conserve desert bighorn
sheep. After the discovery of disease-causing scabies mites in the bighorn
herd in 1978, the herd declined precipitously to one ewe by 1997. The refuge,
White Sands Missile Range, and New Mexico Department of Game and Fish worked
together to improve bighorn habitat, reduce incidence of the scabies mite, and
control predators to create optimum conditions for bighorn recovery. By the
early 2000s, the refuge and its partners were able to transplant desert
bighorn back on to the refuge from Kofa National Wildlife Refuge in Arizona
and the Red Rock bighorn breeding facility in New Mexico. Despite setbacks
from disease, the herd has slowly recovered to about 200 animals.

Today, the refuge serves as a natural laboratory. Refuge staff conduct a
variety of management and research projects. The focus of the refuge remains
maintaining its resident population of desert bighorn sheep, but staff also
devote time to managing invasive species, monitoring migratory birds, and
conducting research.

San Andres National Wildlife Refuge was established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt under Executive Order 8646 on January 22, 1941 ‘for the conservation and development of natural wildlife resources’.  The refuge’s primary resource management emphasis focused on restoring a remnant population of desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis mexicana). Located in the southern portion of the San Andres mountain range in south central New Mexico, the refuge encompasses 57,215 acres and extends over 21 miles long and 6 miles wide.  This area is the northern most extension of the Chihuahuan Desert and one of the largest connecting, relatively undisturbed Chihuahuan Desert land masses in the United States. The steep east slopes rise from 5,000 feet above sea level to an elevation of 8,900 feet on top of San Andres Peak. The refuge terrain is steep, rugged mountains and deep canyons. Vegetation communities range from Chihuahuan desert scrub in the lower elevations to pinyon-juniper woodlands at higher elevations.  The refuge contains isolated spring-generated riparian areas tucked deep into its canyons, the only riparian habitat between the Sacramento Mountains to the east and the Rio Grande River to the west. The San Andres Mountains have had a rich and colorful history. Evidence of early Native Americans including the Mogollon culture has been found on the Refuge dating back to 900 AD. Later, Apache tribes defended this land from European invaders until the 1880s.  For centuries Spanish explorers and others came and went along the west edge of the San Andres along the Camino Real.  Legends persist of lost Spanish gold throughout the mountains. Settlers in northern Mexico braved Apache reprisal to gather salt from spring-fed playas in the Tularosa Basin. On their “salt road,” they drank from San Nicholas Spring below the Refuge and the tracks from their wooden carts are still visible today in areas. Several skirmishes were fought between Apache Chief Victorio and the United States Cavalry in the San Andres Mountains. From the 1880s well into the Great Depression, prospectors hiked up and down the mountain range looking for minerals and hoping to strike it rich. The abandoned workings of old mines remain on the refuge. Ranchers colonized the area and raised cattle, “steeldust” horses and Angora goats up until the establishment of the White Sands Missile Range in 1945.  San Andres National Wildlife Refuge now lies within the boundaries of the 2.2 million acre White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), the largest military installation in the United States.  The refuge is also bordered by the US Department of Agriculture’s Jornada Experimental Range to the west. Since its establishment, the refuge has worked to conserve desert bighorn sheep. After the discovery of disease-causing scabies mites in the bighorn herd in 1978, the herd declined precipitously to one ewe by 1997. The refuge, White Sands Missile Range, and New Mexico Department of Game and Fish worked together to improve bighorn habitat, reduce incidence of the scabies mite, and control predators to create optimum conditions for bighorn recovery. By the early 2000s, the refuge and its partners were able to transplant desert bighorn back on to the refuge from Kofa National Wildlife Refuge in Arizona and the Red Rock bighorn breeding facility in New Mexico. Despite setbacks from disease, the herd has slowly recovered to about 200 animals. Today, the refuge serves as a natural laboratory. Refuge staff conduct a variety of management and research projects. The focus of the refuge remains maintaining its resident population of desert bighorn sheep, but staff also devote time to managing invasive species, monitoring migratory birds, and conducting research.

San Andres National Wildlife Refuge

La Cueva rock shelter is an archeological site located at the foot of the
Organ Mountains outside Las Cruces, New Mexico. The shelter was occupied from
almost 5,000 BC through the historic period that followed the arrival of the
Europeans. In the mid 1970's approximately 100,000 artifacts were recovered
here by the University of Texas at El Paso.

During the 18th and 19th Centuries, the rock shelter was probably known to the
roving bands of Apaches who frequented the area. Then, in the 1860s, the cave
was reportedly home to one of the more eccentric figures of New Mexico's
history, Giovanni Maria Agotini, known to local folks as "El Ermitano," the
Hermit. The cave can be reached by a moderately challenging trail less than a
half mile from a picnic area.

La Cueva rock shelter is an archeological site located at the foot of the Organ Mountains outside Las Cruces, New Mexico. The shelter was occupied from almost 5,000 BC through the historic period that followed the arrival of the Europeans. In the mid 1970's approximately 100,000 artifacts were recovered here by the University of Texas at El Paso. 
During the 18th and 19th Centuries, the rock shelter was probably known to the roving bands of Apaches who frequented the area. Then, in the 1860s, the cave was reportedly home to one of the more eccentric figures of New Mexico's history, Giovanni Maria Agotini, known to local folks as "El Ermitano," the Hermit. The cave can be reached by a moderately challenging trail less than a half mile from a picnic area.

La Cueva

**June 20, 2024 update:** Effective Immediately, the Dripping Springs Natural
Area A.B. Cox Visitor’s Center will no longer be issuing America the Beautiful
and BLM Las Cruces District Annual Recreation Passes. In addition, the
Visitor’s Center will no longer accept cash for transactions. An iron ranger
will still be onsite for those who prefer to pay with cash or check. Within
the next few months, the BLM plans to install a remote off-grid kiosk that
will allow for cashless payments and distribution of receipts for day-use
activities. Stay tuned for more information.

* * *

### Overview

The Dripping Springs Natural Area has over four miles of easy hiking trails,
including the Dripping Springs Trail, which shows off desert scrub and low
elevation pinon-juniper and oak woodlands. The area also boasts excellent
wildlife viewing opportunities, including excellent year-round viewing of red-
tailed hawk, Gambel's quail, golden eagle and rock squirrel. It offers very
good year-round viewing of desert mule deer and coyote. Also watch for black-
throated sparrow, ladder-backed woodpecker, verdin, black-tailed gnatcatcher,
lesser nighthawk, Scott's oriole, cactus wren, desert cottontail, and collared
and tree lizard in the spring and summer.

### Hours

Summer (March-Nov): 7 AM - Sunset  
  
Winter (Nov-March): 8 AM - Sunset

_Dripping Springs Natural Area is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day,
and New Years Day._

### Facilities

The Dripping Springs Natural Area offers handicapped-accessible restrooms, 12
picnic sites, and one reservable large family/group picnic site. Contact the
Las Cruse District Office for more information.

_There is no camping and pets are allowed only on designated trails._

**Visitors Center**

The Dripping Springs Visitor Center offers interpretive displays of the Organ
Mountains.

Open: 8 AM - 5 PM

Contact: (575) 522-1219

**Las Cruse District Office Address and Contact**

1800 Marquess Street  
Las Cruces, NM 88005-3371

575-525-4300

### Helpful Links

  * Visit: Las Cruces District Office
  * More Information: New Mexico
  * Dripping Springs Natural Area History Brochure

June 20, 2024 update:  Effective Immediately, the Dripping Springs Natural Area A.B. Cox Visitor’s Center will no longer be issuing America the Beautiful and BLM Las Cruces District Annual Recreation Passes. In addition, the Visitor’s Center will no longer accept cash for transactions. An iron ranger will still be onsite for those who prefer to pay with cash or check. Within the next few months, the BLM plans to install a remote off-grid kiosk that will allow for cashless payments and distribution of receipts for day-use activities. Stay tuned for more information. 

<hr/>
<h3>Overview</h3>

The Dripping Springs Natural Area has over four miles of easy hiking trails, including the Dripping Springs Trail, which shows off desert scrub and low elevation pinon-juniper and oak woodlands. The area also boasts excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including excellent year-round viewing of red-tailed hawk, Gambel's quail, golden eagle and rock squirrel. It offers very good year-round viewing of desert mule deer and coyote. Also watch for black-throated sparrow, ladder-backed woodpecker, verdin, black-tailed gnatcatcher, lesser nighthawk, Scott's oriole, cactus wren, desert cottontail, and collared and tree lizard in the spring and summer.

<h3>Hours</h3>

Summer (March-Nov): 7 AM - Sunset 
 
Winter (Nov-March): 8 AM - Sunset

Dripping Springs Natural Area is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.

<h3>Facilities</h3>

The Dripping Springs Natural Area offers handicapped-accessible restrooms, 12 picnic sites, and one reservable large family/group picnic site. Contact the Las Cruse District Office for more information.

There is no camping and pets are allowed only on designated trails.

 

Visitors Center

The Dripping Springs Visitor Center offers interpretive displays of the Organ Mountains.

Open: 8 AM - 5 PM

Contact: (575) 522-1219

Las Cruse District Office Address and Contact

1800 Marquess Street 
Las Cruces, NM 88005-3371

575-525-4300

<h3>Helpful Links</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Visit: <a href="https://www.blm.gov/office/las-cruces-district-office" rel="nofollow">Las Cruces District Office</a></li>
	<li>More Information: <a href="https://www.blm.gov/new-mexico" rel="nofollow">New Mexico</a> </li>
	<li><a href="/node/405049" rel="nofollow">Dripping Springs Natural Area History Brochure</a></li>
</ul>

Day Use: $5 per vehicle

Las Cruces District Annual Pass: $30

Dripping Springs Natural Area

The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument was established to protect
significant prehistoric, historic, geologic, and biologic resources of
scientific interest, and includes four areas: the Organ Mountains, Desert
Peaks, Potrillo Mountains, and Doña Ana Mountains.

The Organ Mountains are a steep, angular mountain range with rocky spires that
jut majestically above the Chihuahuan Desert floor to an elevation of 9,000
feet. This picturesque area of rocky peaks, narrow canyons, and open woodlands
ranges from Chihuahuan Desert habitat to ponderosa pine in the highest
elevations. Located adjacent to and on the east side of Las Cruces, this area
provides opportunities for photography, hiking, horseback riding, mountain
biking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

The Desert Peaks include the Robledo Mountains, Sierra de las Uvas, and Doña
Ana Mountains, characterized by desert mountains rising steeply from flat
plains.

The Potrillo Mountains are the most remote section of the Monument located a
distance to the southwest from Las Cruces, and is comprised of a volcanic
landscape of cinder cones, lava flows, and craters.

The Doña Ana Mountains have extensive pedestrian trails, equestrian trails,
mountain bike trails, rock climbing routes, and some limited routes available
for motorized use.

The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument was established to protect significant prehistoric, historic, geologic, and biologic resources of scientific interest, and includes four areas: the Organ Mountains, Desert Peaks, Potrillo Mountains, and Doña Ana Mountains.The Organ Mountains are a steep, angular mountain range with rocky spires that jut majestically above the Chihuahuan Desert floor to an elevation of 9,000 feet. This picturesque area of rocky peaks, narrow canyons, and open woodlands ranges from Chihuahuan Desert habitat to ponderosa pine in the highest elevations. Located adjacent to and on the east side of Las Cruces, this area provides opportunities for photography, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, camping, and wildlife viewing.The Desert Peaks include the Robledo Mountains, Sierra de las Uvas, and Doña Ana Mountains, characterized by desert mountains rising steeply from flat plains. The Potrillo Mountains are the most remote section of the Monument located a distance to the southwest from Las Cruces, and is comprised of a volcanic landscape of cinder cones, lava flows, and craters.The Doña Ana Mountains have extensive pedestrian trails, equestrian trails, mountain bike trails, rock climbing routes, and some limited routes available for motorized use.

Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument

The Organ Mountains Wilderness Area is located in the south-central portion of
New Mexico on the eastern edge of Las Cruces. The mountain range is composed
of jagged, high spires with steep rocky ridges interspersed by narrow rocky
canyons. The steep, angular, rock pinnacles and outcroppings are massive. The
northern area is granite, while the southern portion is rhyolite, which
creates a distinct color variation. Vegetation consists of mixed desert
shrubs, piñon, and juniper woodlands and, in narrow chasms between rock
outcrops, ribbons of green oak trees and ponderosa pine. Many of the canyons
contain seasonal or year-long springs which create unique habitats for plants
and animals. Archaeological sites include remnants of historic mining and
prehistoric rock shelters.

The Organ Mountains Wilderness Area is located in the south-central portion of New Mexico on the eastern edge of Las Cruces. The mountain range is composed of jagged, high spires with steep rocky ridges interspersed by narrow rocky canyons. The steep, angular, rock pinnacles and outcroppings are massive. The northern area is granite, while the southern portion is rhyolite, which creates a distinct color variation. Vegetation consists of mixed desert shrubs, piñon, and juniper woodlands and, in narrow chasms between rock outcrops, ribbons of green oak trees and ponderosa pine. Many of the canyons contain seasonal or year-long springs which create unique habitats for plants and animals. Archaeological sites include remnants of historic mining and prehistoric rock shelters.

Organ Mountains Willderness Area

The Organ Mountains Wilderness Area is located in south-central New Mexico on
the eastern edge of Las Cruces. The Organ Mountains range from 4,600 to just
over 9,000 feet, and are so named because of the steep, needle-like spires
that resemble the pipes of an organ. Alligator juniper, gray oak, mountain
mahogany and sotol are the dominant plant species here, but in the upper
elevations stands of ponderosa pine may be found. Seasonal springs and streams
occur in canyon bottoms, with a few perennial springs that support riparian
habitats. Wildlife includes desert mule deer, mountain lion, a variety of song
birds, and a race of the Colorado chipmunk. The WSA includes the Baylor Pass
National Recreation Trail.

Per the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act
which became law on March 12, 2019, this web page is currently being updated.
To find more information on the new wilderness areas in New Mexico created by
the Act, please visit: Wilderness Connect

The Organ Mountains Wilderness Area is located in south-central New Mexico on the eastern edge of Las Cruces. The Organ Mountains range from 4,600 to just over 9,000 feet, and are so named because of the steep, needle-like spires that resemble the pipes of an organ. Alligator juniper, gray oak, mountain mahogany and sotol are the dominant plant species here, but in the upper elevations stands of ponderosa pine may be found. Seasonal springs and streams occur in canyon bottoms, with a few perennial springs that support riparian habitats. Wildlife includes desert mule deer, mountain lion, a variety of song birds, and a race of the Colorado chipmunk. The WSA includes the Baylor Pass National Recreation Trail. Per the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act which became law on March 12, 2019, this web page is currently being updated. To find more information on the new wilderness areas in New Mexico created by the Act, please visit: <a href="https://wilderness.net/visit-wilderness/find-a-wilderness.php" rel="nofollow">Wilderness Connect</a>

Organ Mountains Wilderness Area

The Aden Hills Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area encompasses approximately 8,700
acres of Chihuahuan Desert scrub environment characterized by low mesquite or
creosote-stabilized coppice dunes, and a variety of dropseed grasses, yucca,
and cacti. The Area was designated in 1993 as a place where off-road/cross-
country travel would be allowed.  
  
The Area is used up to 2 times per year for an organized motorcycle race,
which is the BLM approves through a special recreation permit. The Area is
also a venue for periodic ATV/UTV training provided by the New Mexico
Department of Game and Fish.

The Aden Hills Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area encompasses approximately 8,700 acres of Chihuahuan Desert scrub environment characterized by low mesquite or creosote-stabilized coppice dunes, and a variety of dropseed grasses, yucca, and cacti. The Area was designated in 1993 as a place where off-road/cross-country travel would be allowed. 
 
The Area is used up to 2 times per year for an organized motorcycle race, which is the BLM approves through a special recreation permit. The Area is also a venue for periodic ATV/UTV training provided by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.

Aden Hills Off-Highway Vehicle Area

The historic Leasburg Dam, Leasburg Canal, and Dam Tender’s House perched at
the edge of the bluff overlooking the dam were built between 1906 and 1908 by
the U.S. Reclamation Service. The dam was the first water diversion structure
built on the Rio Grande in New Mexico by the Reclamation Service, predating
Elephant Butte Dam by almost 10 years. Its purpose was to provide irrigation
water for the Mesilla Valley. The historic El Camino Real used by the Spanish
to supply northern colonies around Santa Fe passes near the park including the
infamous Jornada del Muerto section. The nearby Fort Selden site is a 19th
century army outpost that is famous for its Buffalo Soldiers.  
  
A short 25 minute drive from bustling Las Cruces brings you to this quiet park
along the Rio Grande. Leasburg Dam State Park offers peace and relaxation, a
beautiful cactus garden, several hiking trails, and opportunities for fishing,
canoeing, kayaking and birding. Some of these trails take visitors to historic
structures at the park. Night sky programs are very popular at this park,
which features an observatory.  
  
Park Elevation 3,962 ft  
Make a reservation on the New Mexico State Parks reservation website.

The historic Leasburg Dam, Leasburg Canal, and Dam Tender’s House perched at the edge of the bluff overlooking the dam were built between 1906 and 1908 by the U.S. Reclamation Service. The dam was the first water diversion structure built on the Rio Grande in New Mexico by the Reclamation Service, predating Elephant Butte Dam by almost 10 years. Its purpose was to provide irrigation water for the Mesilla Valley. The historic El Camino Real used by the Spanish to supply northern colonies around Santa Fe passes near the park including the infamous Jornada del Muerto section. The nearby Fort Selden site is a 19th century army outpost that is famous for its Buffalo Soldiers. 

A short 25 minute drive from bustling Las Cruces brings you to this quiet park along the Rio Grande. Leasburg Dam State Park offers peace and relaxation, a beautiful cactus garden, several hiking trails, and opportunities for fishing, canoeing, kayaking and birding. Some of these trails take visitors to historic structures at the park. Night sky programs are very popular at this park, which features an observatory. 

Park Elevation 3,962 ft 
<a href="http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/leasburgdamstatepark.html" rel="nofollow">Make a reservation on the New Mexico State Parks reservation website</a>.

Leasburg Dam State Park

Leasburg Diversion Dam, Rio Grande Project, is on the Rio Grande 62 miles
north of El Paso at the head of Mesilla Valley. Recreation at Leasburg is
managed by the New Mexico State Parks under agreement with the Bureau of
Reclamation. The park headquarters can be reached at (505) 524-4068. The park
is open year-round. Leasburg Diversion Dam is listed in the National Register
of Historic Places as part of the Elephant Butte Irrigation District. A
visitor center operated by NM State Parks contains exhibits on history and
wildlife of the area. The best fishing is late April through August in the Rio
Grande River. Entry fees are charged during the main recreation season. Good
access roads. The nearest community is Las Cruces, 15 miles south on
Interstate 25. This small park with 140 acres of land provides fishing,
canoeing, and kayaking in the Rio Grande River. Other features available
include a modern campground, picnicking, children's play facilities, and
hiking.

Leasburg Diversion Dam, <a href="https://www.usbr.gov/projects/index.php?id=397" rel="nofollow">Rio Grande Project</a>, is on the Rio Grande 62 miles north of El Paso at the head of Mesilla Valley. Recreation at Leasburg is managed by the New Mexico State Parks under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation. The park headquarters can be reached at (505) 524-4068. The park is open year-round. Leasburg Diversion Dam is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Elephant Butte Irrigation District. A visitor center operated by NM State Parks contains exhibits on history and wildlife of the area. The best fishing is late April through August in the Rio Grande River. Entry fees are charged during the main recreation season. Good access roads. The nearest community is Las Cruces, 15 miles south on Interstate 25. This small park with 140 acres of land provides fishing, canoeing, and kayaking in the Rio Grande River. Other features available include a modern campground, picnicking, children's play facilities, and hiking.