25 Jun Dripping Springs Hike, Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument
Explore the breathtaking natural beauty of this scenic location while enjoying the great outdoors. After traversing upwards for a little over a mile, you will hit the clearing that houses the remains of the Van Patten Mountain Camp/Dripping Springs Resort Livery. Built in the late 1800’s, these buildings acted as the hub for the servicing of the hotel a little further up. This is where the wagons unloaded supplies, horses were watered, the chicken coop was kept, and even a vegetable garden grew food for the guests. The stagecoach delivering guests would drop them at the resort’s front door and then head back down to this location.
Leaving the Livery, follow the trail up to a crossroads. Take a left and head towards Dripping Springs and Van Patten Mountain Camp; we’ll get back to Boyd Sanatorium. Depending on the time of year that you are visiting and any recent rainfall, the Springs might be a trickle or more of a waterfall. This modern marvel was built in 1892 to harness water for the hotel’s supply.
Heading up about a tenth of a mile or two more, you hit the remnants of the Mountain Camp/Dripping Springs Resort. From the late 1800’s until around 1915, Major Eugene Van Patten ran a hotel in this spot–at 6,000 ft elevation and 17-mile trip from Las Cruces with the only mode of transportation being on the back of a horse or burro. The original resort had a total of 14 rooms and in 1906, another 18 rooms were ordered.
This hike shows off beautiful Chihuahuan desert mountain vegetation and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Total Trip Time: 2 ½ hours
Meeting Times: 12:30 PM
Where to Meet: Visitor’s Center, 15000 Dripping Springs Road, Las Cruces
The Dripping Springs Natural Area is located 10 miles east of Las Cruces, on the west side of the Organ Mountains. From Exit 1 on Interstate 25, take University Avenue/Dripping Springs Road east to the end of the road at the Visitor’s Center.
Tour Leader: Friends of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks
Actual Tour Time: 2 hours
Terrain: Mostly flat with some incline
What to Bring: At least 32 oz of water, sun-screen, tennis shoes, hat, bug spray, hiking poles if needed, snacks
Group Limit: 20
Age Limit: all ages
Difficulty Level: easy-moderate
Special Directions, Safety Restrictions, etc.:
- Parking fee is $5, available at the visitor center.
- Restrooms can be found at the visitor center and a porta potty along the trail
- Remember to have a meal before the hike and stay hydrated