When many New Mexicans are looking for a beautiful place to spend time outdoors, they head to White Sands National Park or Carlsbad Caverns National Park. While these areas and many others in the Land of Enchantment are pretty remarkable, there is one area located in Southern New Mexico that tends to be forgotten — Dripping Springs Natural Area. With incredible hiking trails, excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, beautiful scenery, and more, this is certainly one of the most underrated places in New Mexico.
Dripping Springs Natural Area is located in Southern New Mexico. It is approximately 10 miles east of Las Cruces and is situated on the west side of the Organ Mountains.
BLM New Mexico/Flickr
For individuals of any age who love the outdoors, Dripping Springs Natural Area is the ultimate playground. There are opportunities to hike, climb rocks, or just enjoy some peace and quiet.
BLM New Mexico/Flickr
Before you begin exploring, stop by the A.B. Cox Visitor Center to learn more about the history of the area, the ruins you may see on the various hikes, and more.
Beth I/TripAdvisor
Hiking is one of the most popular activities in this natural area in New Mexico. There are several trails that will take you to some mesmerizing and fascinating areas.
Robert Neal/AllTrails
The Dripping Springs Trail, for example, is a 3-mile, moderately-rated hiking trail that will take you to a gorgeous waterfall and ruins of an abandoned mountain camp.
BLM New Mexico/Flickr This hike is one-of-a-kind as you follow paths created by stagecoaches decades ago. Learn more about this hiking trail in New Mexico here.
The La Cueva Loop Trail is another hiking trail that you will want to explore.
Gabriel Gutierrez Sr./AllTrails This 3-mile trail will take you to a cave that was started around 5000 B.C. and where hundreds of artifacts have been discovered.
This cave was home to Giovanni Maria Agostini, also known as the Hermit. He lived in the cave for several years until he was killed in the late 1860s.
BLM New Mexico/Flickr This trail begins near the A.B. Cox Visitor Center. Click here to learn more about this hiking trail in New Mexico and to access a trail map.
This natural area is also a wonderful place to view all types of wildlife. It isn’t uncommon to see golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, lizards, deer, coyotes, and more.
Josh Hunt/AllTrails Make sure to bring along your camera or binoculars so you don’t miss anything.
There are also picnic sites scattered around this natural area that have grills and picnic tables where you can just slow down, enjoy some fresh air, and immerse yourself in nature.
Jose Garcia/Google
Dripping Springs Natural Area is open year-round except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. There is a day-use vehicle fee to enter into this area. You can learn more about Dripping Springs Natural Area by visiting the Bureau of Land Management’s Official Website.
BLM New Mexico/Flickr
Beth I/TripAdvisor
Robert Neal/AllTrails
This hike is one-of-a-kind as you follow paths created by stagecoaches decades ago. Learn more about this hiking trail in New Mexico here.
Gabriel Gutierrez Sr./AllTrails
This 3-mile trail will take you to a cave that was started around 5000 B.C. and where hundreds of artifacts have been discovered.
This trail begins near the A.B. Cox Visitor Center. Click here to learn more about this hiking trail in New Mexico and to access a trail map.
Josh Hunt/AllTrails
Make sure to bring along your camera or binoculars so you don’t miss anything.
Jose Garcia/Google
Have you ever visited the Dripping Springs Natural Area? Have you explored one of the many hikes in this natural area? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments!
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Address: Dripping Springs Natural Area, 15000 Dripping Springs Rd, Las Cruces, NM 88011, USA
