Deborah E. Stevens

Bureau of Land Management

If the traditional gifts for Valentine’s Day of flowers, chocolates, stuffed animals and dinner dates are getting a little routine, why not treat your sweetheart to an outdoor excursion to southern New Mexico’s public lands? The Bureau of Land Management has two favorite areas to recommend for that special day, or anytime.

Nestled in the foothills of the Organ Mountains, the Dripping Springs Natural Area and Aguirre Spring Recreational Area and Campground are two sites where the “love for hiking and bird watching” can easily be expressed. A surprise picnic with a special packed lunch or sweet treats could also be enjoyed, as either location are equipped with ramadas and picnic tables.

Here’s some information on both areas to help you make a choice for that special Valentine’s Day surprise.

Dripping Springs Natural Area has over 4 miles of easy hiking trails, including the Dripping Springs Trail, which shows off desert scrub and low elevation piñon-juniper and oak woodlands. It also has a visitor center, handicapped-accessible restrooms, 12 picnic sites and one large family/group picnic site that can be reserved for events. The entrance fee to the natural area is $5 per day per vehicle. Parking is limited at both the visitor center and the La Cueva Loop Trail. Dogs are not allowed on portions of the La Cueva and Dripping Springs trails. In addition, hikers are prohibited from entering, walking or climbing on historical structures along the trails. The Dripping Springs Natural Area is 10 miles east of Las Cruces, on the west side of the Organ Mountains. From Exit 1 on Interstate 25, take University Avenue/Dripping Springs Road east to the end. Daily hours are from 8 a.m. to sunset.

Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground has the Pine Tree Trail which is a 4-mile loop that starts at the campground and climbs to the base of the Organ Needles in Ponderosa Pine habitat. It provides spectacular views of the Organ Mountains and the Tularosa Basin toward White Sands Missile Range. Aguirre Spring is the only high-country campground in the Las Cruces/El Paso/Juárez region. The campground includes 57 family sites and two group sites that can be reserved. The cost to enter Aguirre Spring to hike is $5 per day and $7 per night to camp. While dogs are allowed in the campground, visitors are required to have them on a leash at all times and to clean up after them. The access road to the campground is 14 miles east of the I-25/U.S. 70 interchange in Las Cruces, or 1.1 miles east of San Augustin Pass. Daily hours are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Oh and don’t forget, if Valentine’s Day doesn’t pan out, then perhaps an outing on President’s Day, a fee-free entrance day, may be the perfect time to take in the sights, sounds and beautiful landscapes these and other public lands have to offer. For information, visit or call the BLM Las Cruces District Office at 1800 Marquess Street or 575-525-4421.

Deborah Stevens is a public affairs specialist for the Bureau of Land Management Las Cruces District Office.

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