Pine Loop Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails outside of Las Cruces, NM. Located in Aguirre Springs, the trail is just a 25-minute drive from Las Cruces, and little over an hour from El Paso, TX. As the name suggests, the 4-mile trail forms a loop that traverses the back side of the euphoric Organ Mountains. This hike is considered moderate in difficulty, as it requires conquering a bit over 1,000 ft in elevation gain before reaching the highest point half-way through the loop. I have completed this hike a couple of times, generally spending about 2.5 hours to complete the trek while taking in the beautiful scenery from the mountainside. While hiking this trail, portions of White Sands National Monument can be seen in the distance, and a faint signature of the city of Alamogordo resides on the horizon some 50 miles to the northeast.
The trail is extremely well-marked, allowing for both novice and advanced hikers to enjoy this hike without worrying about navigation. Much of the trail is laid out with rocks, so appropriate tennis or hiking shoes are recommended for good traction. Because of the terrain and elevation gain, it may be recommended to leave smaller children at home. But this is a great hike for those looking for a little bit of exercise, or for families looking to get out of the house. Campgrounds also exist at the base of the trail for individuals or families looking to spend the night under the stars. Be prepared for a small fee (about $3 per day) for each vehicle entering the campgrounds where the Pine Loop Trail hiking is located.
Another great hike is along the Dripping Springs Trail, also located about ten minutes from Las Cruces, NM and about an hour from El Paso. This is an easy hike, lasting about 3.4 miles with an elevation gain of about 725 ft. The trail is primarily a dirt path that is well groomed and easy to navigate. The beauty of this trail is not just the scenery you witness at the base of the Organ Mountains, but also the history you will encounter along the trail. You will see the remains of Van Patten Mountain Camp, which was built by Colonel Van Patten in the 1870s. This site eventually became a popular resort for travelers passing through.
You also get the opportunity to see the remains of a sanitarium, which was built by Dr. Nathan Boyd after he bought the property from Colonel Van Patten in the early 20th century. This sanitarium was built for tuberculosis sufferers. While not a whole lot remains of these structures that date nearly 100 years old, the history provided along the trail still finds a way to capture the imagination. There is also a nice guest-services building that guests can visit before or after the hike that provides interesting reading about the history of the area.
This trail is highly recommended for individuals looking for an easy-going hike while learning a little bit of history, and is also perfect for families looking to show their children a little bit of American history. All guests should be prepared for a small fee (about $3 per day) for each vehicle that enters the Dripping Springs Natural Area.