On Thursday, my brother and I went on our first hike in New Mexico, to Dripping Springs. Located in the Organ Mountains, 10 miles east of Las Cruces, our first glimpse was a great, black cloud hovering over our destination.
Parking near the Visitor’s Center, we met a very kind gentleman who directed us to the trailhead and showed us the Dripping Springs trail map. He also pointed out the Aguirre Spring campground and two additional trails that split off to the left.
No water for a while
Because southeastern New Mexico is very dry, the two nearby waterfalls, including Dripping Springs, are more or less nonexistent until Monsoon season. And despite the long lists of birds and reptiles in the complimentary brochures, the only wildlife we saw was a small spider. To be fair, it was a cold, windy day and I wouldn’t blame them if they were hiding out and keeping warm. I might have been dreaming of a nice cup of cocoa on the way up.
The scenery along the trail was sweeping and dramatic. Beautiful, cloud-enshrouded rock formations framed hills clothed in long golden grass and dotted with cacti, bushes, and trees, which looked miniature in the distance.
The rock formations, according to the brochures, were caused by three massive eruptions from the Organ Caldera Volcano, 36-40 million years ago. These were followed by faulting, tilting, and erosion. Crystallized magma, formed “plutonic rock with large, interlocking crystals” (granite), resulting in beautiful, jagged rocks. The brochures provide more, in-depth discussion for those of you who are interested in geology.
Plants
Some of the plants in the area were labelled and some were not, but they were all mostly new to me. I have a few pictures here of ones that caught my eye, although I will need to study up a bit before I can claim any real knowledge in this area.
Dripping Springs is particularly fascinating due to its more recent history and the ruins that remain along the trail. In the late 1800s, Colonel Eugene Van Patten built a mountain retreat, using Dripping Springs as a water source. The original, though dilapidated, livery buildings lie along the trail, as well as the mountain camp and a sanatorium later built by Nathan Boyd.
About the Dripping Springs Trail
The path was wide and paved with reasonably smooth gravel. One and a half miles each way, the approximately 500 foot elevation gain out, provides a nice, downhill stroll on the way back. Do beware of the gravel on the way down, however, because it’s easy to roll an ankle or skid on the small rocks. Also, dogs are not allowed on the upper trail, so make sure to plan accordingly.
Park Facts
Organ Mountains – Desert Peaks National Monument includes:
- 496,529 acres of BLM public land,
- 48 miles of hiking trails,
- 54 miles of bicycle trails and
- over 40 miles of equestrian trails,
- along with picnic and camping areas.
- Restrooms are available near the Visitor’s Center and there is a $5 fee per car.
The BLM advises visitors to take plenty of water and to take a jacket, no matter the season. Weather is unpredictable, even in summer. For additional information, visit the BLM website.
If you are interested in New Mexico, my Sam Olivares mystery series features a spunky rancher from northern New Mexico and can be purchased on Amazon!
The spiderbro was just chillin’ 😀 Also, that colonel’s retreat – people should unlapidate the buildings. I think this place will make for a grand author’s writing lodge!