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Nature|National & State Parks

Dripping Springs Natural Area Is One Of The Most Underrated Places In New Mexico

Dripping Springs Natural Area in Southern New Mexico offers hiking, wildlife viewing, and beautiful scenery, making it an underrated outdoor destination.

Published Nov 10, 2021

Written by 

Courtnie Erickson

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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Nature|Hiking

Hike Hyde Memorial State Park’s Hyde Waterfall Trail in New Mexico for an Unforgettable Adventure

Tucked away in the incredible Hyde Memorial State Park, Hyde Waterfall Trail is just over half a mile long, yet it manages to offer some of the most spectacular views in the state.

Published Oct 7, 2024

Written by 

Katie Lawrence

Waterfall hikes in New Mexico are always a good time, but a short-and-sweet waterfall hike that all ages and skill levels can enjoy? Now we’re talking! Tucked away in the incredible Hyde Memorial State Park, Hyde Waterfall Trail is just over half a mile long, yet it manages to offer some of the most spectacular views in the state. What are you waiting for? Hop in the car and come with me to check it out!

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AllTrails Melissa Schneider

The trail begins near Group Shelter #2 in the park. It consists of a rocky path that leads through a narrow canyon, running alongside a small stream. The first part of the trail features woodland terrain, and then it shifts into a more rugged landscape from there. I would recommend wearing sturdy hiking boots instead of shoes (especially after a good rain!) because there are several water crossings. If you have dogs, they’ll love drinking from the creek!

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AllTrails Terry Folmar

Upon reaching the waterfall (which only takes about 10 minutes), you’ll be in awe of the scene before you. It’s certainly not the tallest waterfall in New Mexico, but it isn’t the smallest one, either! The canyon walls are surrounded by lush greenery, and the falls cascade down their jagged edges with a powerful might. I find hikes like this to be very meditative; I love taking some time to just sit and listen to the rushing water, allowing it to purify my mind and rinse away any unwanted thoughts.

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AllTrails Kesh Govinder

You can hike this trail all year long — even in the winter! I’d argue that the waterfall is potentially even more breathtaking when it’s frozen over. Fall is also a great time to visit, as the park erupts with brilliant displays of autumn foliage. In the spring, you can expect to see lots of colorful wildflowers, and during summer, the landscape is so green, it’s almost blinding.

Visit AllTrails to learn more about the Hyde Waterfall Trail. I would also suggest signing up for AllTrails+ if you spend lots of time outside! You can also visit the website for Hyde Memorial State Park for information such as park hours and entrance fees.

Have you ever taken this lovely little hike? If so, do you think it’s one of the best waterfall hikes in New Mexico? Tell us your thoughts in the comments, and check out our previous article for a fun way to spend the day in nearby Santa Fe.

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Nature|National & State Parks

Explore One of New Mexico’s Cleanest Lakes at Brantley Lake State Park

Published Sep 27, 2024

Written by 

Melissa Mahoney

Throughout New Mexico, lakes and reservoirs dot the landscape like oases in the desert. Because that is exactly what they are — oases. These slices of paradise provide a way to escape the heat and participate in recreation that can only be done in or on the water. Located just to the north of Carlsbad, you can find a lake that is one of the cleanest lakes in New Mexico. This is Brantley Lake, and it's one you may want to visit for some outdoor fun and relaxation.

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Home to Brantley Lake, the southernmost lake in New Mexico, Brantley Lake State Park provides a wide range of outdoor activities for you outdoor enthusiasts out there! With two boat ramps, you can launch your motorized or non-motorized vessel like a canoe, kayak, or sailboat. Waterskiing is a popular activity here as well.

Then, of course, you can go swimming. In a clean body of water like Brantley Lake, this lake found along the Pecos River is certainly inviting! Don't forget to bring a swimsuit with you.

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David Warner/AllTrails

For those of you looking to camp, there are 51 developed campsites, three of which have hookups. And if you're looking for a lakeside campsite, well, you're in luck because there is primitive shoreline camping available! How incredible would it be to wake up right next to the pristine Brantley Lake and jump right in for a swim first thing in the morning? Or how about casting a line to catch some fish? Sounds like heaven to me!

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Brantley Lake

Of course, you don't have to jump in the lake or take a boat ride to enjoy it. For one, there are 2.6 miles of trails for scenic hiking. Picnicking is another wonderful option for those looking for a relaxing place to eat with a view. And who wouldn't want to take in views of a lovely lake like Brantley Lake?

For those of you who love wildlife and birdwatching, grab your binoculars and your camera and head out to Brantley Lake State Park and see what you can find. Different bird species can be found throughout the year so multiple trips may be in order!

For outdoor recreation and one of the cleanest lakes in New Mexico, you must visit Brantley Lake State Park. To learn more and to make a camping reservation, visit the New Mexico EMNRD website.

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