Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks NM--Dripping Springs NA

Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks NM--Dripping Springs NA

Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument 15000 Dripping Springs Road Las Cruces, New Mexico 88011

Official Website
Dripping Springs Natural Area brochure and map
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument Official Website
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument brochure and map

Tips for Birding

Located on the west side of the Organ Mountains, Dripping Springs Natural Area is a short drive from Las Cruces and offers good birding opportunities year-round. This site is a property of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and requires a $5.00 day-use fee per vehicle, which can be paid at the visitor center or at self-pay kiosks throughout the area (federal land passes are also accepted). Camping is not permitted during any season. This site is extremely popular with hikers in all seasons, so it is often necessary to get here at opening time in order to avoid crowds (especially on weekends).

By far, the best birding at Dripping Springs is along the 0.6-mile Arroyo Trail, which runs from the parking lot at the La Cueva Group Picnic Area to where the upper La Cueva Trail meets the lower La Cueva Trail, crossing the La Cueva Trail just below the La Cueva trailhead parking area. It is usually best to start from the parking at La Cueva (accessible from a turnoff along Dripping Springs Road, shortly before the Visitor Center), as this end of the trail is generally less popular with hikers and gives immediate access to good habitat. The trail follows a lush, rocky arroyo with hackberry and other fruit-bearing shrubs. The hiking is relatively easy, though the terrain is rocky and there is relatively little shade to be had during the hot summer months. Common year-round residents include Canyon and Spotted Towhees, Canyon, Rock, and Bewick’s Wrens, Black-throated and Black-chinned Sparrows, and Pyrrhuloxia, among others. Summer visitors include Scott’s Oriole, White-throated Swift, Indigo Bunting, and Blue Grosbeak, while winter brings Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay, Townsend’s Solitaire, and various sparrows. Focus on areas with surface water (which may be present as a trickle in the arroyo) or fruiting shrubs, which will congregate birds.

The two other major trails at Dripping Springs are the eponymous Dripping Springs Trail and the Fillmore Canyon Trail. While both trails offer access to seasonal waterfalls and decent habitats, they are generally less productive for birding and are heavily traveled by hikers. Expect the regular desert-scrub species, including many of those described above.

About this Location

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.

Gate Hours (change with Daylight Savings Time)
Summer (March-Nov): 7 a.m. – Sunset
Winter (Nov-March): 8 a.m. – Sunset
Dripping Springs Natural Area is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.

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 I-25, take University Avenue/Dripping Springs Road east to the end.

About Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument

See all hotspots at Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument

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 are 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.

Notable Trails

The AllTrails website has a description and map of a hike at Dripping Springs Natural Area.

Features

  • Restrooms on site

  • Entrance fee

Content from Official Website, Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument Official Website, Joel Gilb, and John Montgomery

Last updated March 2, 2023

Key locations elevations chart
John Montgomery