Our last day visiting the Las Cruces area means finding another hike and maybe a museum. Because New Mexico is still under strict Covid-19 restrictions, many of the local museums are closed and some of the parks are closed. Fortunately, Organ Mountains – Desert Peaks National Monument is open for hiking.

From our hotel, it is a 25 minute drive up to the Visitor Center which is not open. However, there is a volunteer sitting at a table outside providing information about the park.

Most popular hike is Dripping Springs, a mile and half up to an area that did have a spring and was home to Van Patten Mountain Camp and Boyd Sanatorium.

• 

• 

• 

The views of the valley, the Organ Mountain peaks, the geology and the desert plants is such an enjoyable way to spend the morning.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Again, there is much history in this area. Check out the website. https://www.organmountains.org

This National Monument is still under the management of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). You can still get a stamp for the National Park Passport Book. Definitely a place worth exploring near to Las Cruces.