Please Note New Start Time of 9AM.

Join Garrett Leitermann, archaeologist with the Bureau of Land Management Las Cruces District Office, and hike to ruins of the late 19th/early 20th century hotel and health resort (Van Patten’s Mountain Camp/Dripping Springs).

This is an easy to moderate 3-miles roundtrip hike into the canyon to see the spring and the ruins of Dripping Springs. Dogs are not allowed.

Bring 2-4 liters of water, snacks and a sack lunch.

Meet at the Dripping Springs Natural Area visitor center at 8:50 AM. Take I-10 West to I-25 North and take exit 1 University. Turn right onto University road, which becomes Dripping Springs Road. Stay on it all the way to the Dripping Springs Natural Area visitor center.
The oldest ruin in the canyon is the Dripping Springs Resort, which was built by Colonel Eugene Van Patten in the 1890’s. In 1917 Van Patten sold the resort to his one time ex-business partner, Nathan Boyd who expanded the water facilities at Dripping Springs. By the 1940’s the resort was no longer operational and began a slow decay over the ensuing decades. In the late 1980’s the Nature Conservancy purchased the property and transferred it to the Bureau of Land Management. The property is now preserved for the benefit of future generations.

You will learn about the fascinating history of Drippings Springs hotel and resort, the Organ Mountains, and the local area. Specifically, you will hear the stories of how the resort was once a popular spot for recreationalists, vacationers, and health seekers during its prime and and about two men's bitter struggle over land and water during the early 20th century. You are going to want to come back and explore more of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument and other local public lands.

There is a $5 fee per vehicle. NOTE: Dripping Springs Visitor Center is temporarily closed due to plumbing and water damage issues. Volunteers and BLM staff are still available outside the visitor center to help with questions and provide maps and brochures. With the visitor center closed we will not be able to make change for visitors, so they are encouraged to bring the exact cash amount for fee envelopes.
For more information, contact Garrett Leitermann gleitermann@blm.gov.