LAS CRUCES, N.M. – On May 26, the Bureau of Land Management is waiving the access fee to the Dripping Springs Natural Area and the Aguirre Spring Recreation Area (fees for overnight camping will still apply). The fee free weekend is to get the public outdoors to enjoy the outstanding recreational and cultural values of public land.
In addition, the public is encouraged to take time from their busy schedules to go hiking, biking, picnicking and wildlife watching in these areas, which are part of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument. On that day, a BLM park ranger will lead a hike on the Dripping Springs Trail and talk about the history and nature of the area. Starting at the Visitor Center, the hike will be from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Each area offers unique scenic views of the Mesilla Valley to the west from Dripping Springs, and the Tularosa basin to the east from Aguirre Spring. Besides Dripping Springs Trail, the Sierra Vista, Soledad Canyon, Pine Tree and Baylor Canyon Trails, also provide excellent vantage points for the public to appreciate the Chihuahuan Desert’s flora and fauna.
As the temperatures rise, the BLM reminds the recreating public to always carry plenty of water and be aware of the rattlesnakes that are now out for the summer season.
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, visitors will take University Avenue to Dripping Springs Road east to the Visitor Center parking lot. Daily summer hours for the Visitor Center are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the Natural Area are 7 a.m.to sunset.
The access road to Aguirre Spring is 14 miles east of the I-25/U.S. 70 interchange in Las Cruces, or 1.1 miles east of San Augustine Pass. The area offers 57 camping and picnic sites, along with two group sites which require BLM reservations. Daily summer hours are from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information, the public can contact the BLM at 575-525-4300.