Upcoming events near Dripping Springs Wildlife Area:
 
Sep 24: 30th Annual Whole Ebchilata Fiesta 2010
The 30th annual celebration should be bigger and better than previous years  Las Cruces 575-571-9569

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Upcoming events throughout Old West Country:

Sep 4: Gem and Mineral Show
Three days of exhibits, food and field trips! The field trips are free of charge and leave the Center at 9 AM Saturday, Sunday and Monday, respectively. On Saturday the group will travel to Bear Mountain and fortification agate in rhycolite modules. On Sunday, the group plans to visit Fluorite Ridge near Deming. On Monday the group will travel to Saddlerock Canyon in the Burro Mountains. Almost any vehicle can get to these locations in good weather. Bring snacks, light lunch, plenty of water, a rock hammer, small shovel and bag or bucket on each trip. For more details: email kyyote@msn.com  Grant County Business and Conference CenterUS 189 East

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Sep 4: Hillsboro Harvest Festival
Art, food, great time . . . a few of the words that describe the Festival which replaces the Hillsboro Apple Festival after the apple crop was destroyed  On NM--152 between Silve City and Truth of Consequences

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Sep 4: Gila Cliff Dwellings our and Astronomy Evening
Make a day of it at the Cliff Dwellings. In the nornig at 11:00 joint the tour of the TJ Site. The tour takes about an hour ans is limited to 20 people for reservations, call 575-536-9461. At 7PM the season\'s second astronomy evening begins. The event is open to the public. Check with Becky Latanich 575-536-9461 or email becky_laranich@nps.gov  Fifty-two miles north of Silver City vis NM15 or NM35

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Sep 5: Heritage Music Festival
The 4th annual Heritage Music Festival starts off at 1PM with The Mules Tones, followed by other artists until early evening. Proceeds from the dance ($10 per person or $15 per couple) and from the silent auction will go toward restoration of the old courthouse by the Hillsboro Historical Society.  On NM-152 west of Truth or Consequences

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Overlooking Las Cruces from the east are the Organ Mountains, a haven for hikers and adventure seekers alike. The Organs, which rise to over 9,000 feet in elevation, are so named because of the steep, needle-like spires that resemble the pipes of an organ. This picturesque area of rocky peaks, narrow canyons and open woodlands shelters the Dripping Springs Natural Area, noted for its “weeping walls.” Formerly known as the Cox Ranch, this area encompasses a wealth of habitats containing great biological diversity, including four endemic wildflower species, the endangered Organ Mountains evening primrose and other rare plants, and a race of the Colorado chipmunk.

The Dripping Springs Natural Area has over four miles of easy hiking trails, including the Dripping Springs Trail, which shows off desert scrub and low elevation pinon-juniper and oak woodlands. The area also boasts excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including excellent year-round viewing of red-tailed hawk, Gambel’s quail, golden eagle and rock squirrel. It offers very good year-round viewing of desert mule deer and coyote. Also watch for black-throated sparrow, ladder-backed woodpecker, verdin, black-tailed gnatcatcher, lesser nighthawk, Scott’s oriole, cactus wren, desert cottontail, and collared and tree lizard in the spring and summer. Finally, there are occasional sightings of mountain lion.

Activities
Wildlife viewing, hiking, picnicking.

Facilities
The Dripping Springs Natural Area has a visitors center, handicapped-accessible restrooms, 22 picnic sites, and one group picnic site that can be reserved through the BLM Las Cruces District Office (see Contact Information on the right).

Visitor Center
The Dripping Springs Visitor Center offers interpretive displays of the Organ Mountains. It is located 10 miles east of Interstate 25, Exit 1, on the western edge of the Organ Mountains in the Dripping Springs Natural Area. It is open all year, except winter holidays, from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 p.m. Phone: 505.522.1219.

Location / Access
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, take University Avenue/Dripping Springs Road east to the end.

These comments reflect the opinions of visitors to the Old West Country web site and may not reflect current conditions or operations of this destination. Please call the nearest Chamber of Commerce or Old West Country at 800-290-8330 for updated information and advice!
 
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