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Dripping Springs Natural Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,592 Google reviews · Running trail in Las Cruces, New Mexico · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 3 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Dripping Springs Natural Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking trails through rock spires & scrub to 1800s resort buildings & a granite-wall spring.
What runners say about Dripping Springs Natural Area
“Well maintained trails, (I comfortably wore Crocs) signage for every plant…and I mean every single rooted plant has a marker; so a great place to learn about local flora.”
“The trails are incredibly well-maintained, offering a smooth and enjoyable walk through the stunning desert landscape.”
“I particularly appreciated the abundant shade along portions of the trail, which was a welcome relief on a warm afternoon.”
“I took some time to meditate along the way, and the quiet surroundings made it feel like the entire space was holding that stillness for me.”
I walked through the Dripping Springs Natural Area and it was truly a fantastic experience. I had walked this trail decades ago and it has changed a bit. The trails are incredibly well-maintained, offering a smooth and enjoyable walk through the stunning desert landscape.
This morning’s chilly walk to Dripping Springs Natural Area was exactly what my soul needed. The trail is easy and accessible, making it perfect for a slow, mindful pace. I took some time to meditate along the way, and the quiet surroundings made it feel like the entire space was holding that stillness for me.
Great area for short to moderate hikes, you chose your level. There are several miles of beautiful hiking trails. The most popular hike is a 3 mile total out and back to see Dripping springs and ruins of an historic mountain camp and sanitarium. The hike is spectacular into the base of the Organ Mountains.
This trail is amazing. I loved everything about it. It’s not an easy climb because of the 500+ feet of elevation gain in 1.5 miles, but it’s not a technical trail and doesn’t present any danger as long as you can hike or run on gravel. Just wear good shoes and sunscreen and bring water.
Trail conditions & character
“The trails are incredibly well-maintained, offering a smooth and enjoyable walk through the stunning desert landscape.”
“5 miles, but it’s not a technical trail and doesn’t present any danger as long as you can hike or run on gravel.”
“I particularly appreciated the abundant shade along portions of the trail, which was a welcome relief on a warm afternoon.”
“Mostly graveled and well used with almost 1300 ft of elevation gain in just under 8 miles starting from the gate.”
“We had to detour on another trail along the trailhead that allowed dogs.”
“I would have continued hiking the trails but my 15 year old dog has her limits, despite not knowing them.”
“The Cave Loop is about a 3 mile loop and is the more rugged versus the dripping springs trail.”
“I took some time to meditate along the way, and the quiet surroundings made it feel like the entire space was holding that stillness for me.”
“5 miles, but it’s not a technical trail and doesn’t present any danger as long as you can hike or run on gravel.”
“Great area for short to moderate hikes, you chose your level.”
“There is a bathroom, water station and a visitor center with shade and a garden.”
“I'd highly recommend a visit to anyone looking for a beautiful and accessible outdoor adventure in the Las Cruces area.”
“There is a bathroom, water station and a visitor center with shade and a garden.”
Plan your run at Dripping Springs Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance3 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteblm.gov
- Phone+1 575-525-4300
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–7 pm |
Running trails near Las Cruces
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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