25 Jun La Cueva Archaeological Site – Gateway to the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks
Come experience the natural beauty of Organ Mountains with a guided hike that will have you stepping into the rich history and heritage of the National Monument. For over 5,000 years La Cueva (“The Cave”) has been home to many people and cultures including prehistoric Archaic and Jornada Mogollon people, Manso, Mescalero Apache, and cattle rustlers. More infamously, the cave is home to one of the oldest cold cases in Las Cruces involving the death of El Hermitano (the hermit). On this guided hike to La Cueva attendees will learn about the history and archaeology of the local region, discover prehistoric rock art, take in views of breathtaking mountain landscapes, see wildlife and plant life of the diverse Chihuahuan Desert and much more!
Total Trip Time: (leaving parking lot of Las Convention Center and Tour Completion): 2 hours.
Meeting Times: Wednesday, September 25th 12:30 PM
Where to Meet: La Cueva trailhead at Dripping Springs Visitor Center. 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: Garrett Leitermann, BLM Monuments Archaeologist
Actual Tour Time: 1.5 hours
Terrain: Natural hiking trail to La Cueva includes rocks/boulders on the path. The trail includes walking across bedrock and up and down a hill slope. There is a maximum gain of 200ft throughout the hike.
What to Bring: Water, sun-screen, tennis/hiking shoes, hat, sunglasses
Group Limit: 20
Age Limit: None
Difficulty Level: Relatively easy to moderate depending on individual physical fitness.
Special Directions, Safety Restrictions, etc: This tour is not ADA accessible and includes walking on uneven terrain. There is a $5 day use fee for Dripping Springs Natural Area.