Visitors on a guided hike in the Las Cruces District Office

Las Cruces District Public Programs and Events

Come join us for guided hike throughout the Las Cruces District. Learn about the rich history of southern New Mexico and your public lands.

BLM-managed lands offer numerous opportunities for hiking ranging from small foot paths through untrampled wilderness to National Historic Trails with developed trail heads and interpretation centers. No matter what type of experience you are looking for, you can find it on BLM-managed lands. Dogs are welcome on most BLM-managed trails. Please check the trail website or call the local BLM field office for specific leash policies.

Call 575-525-4300 or email us with questions. 

May 2025 Guides Hikes and Programs

Free and open to the public except entrance fees when applicable.

Date and TimeRegistration Meet AtDescription/Details
Every Tuesday at 6 p.m.No registration needed.Doña Ana Mtn parking areaJoin us for a sunset MTB ride and learn about your monument lands along the way! Riders must bring their own trail-ready mountain bike and helmet.
Saturday, May 10, 8-11:30 a.m.*Please register at Friends of the Organ Mountain-Desert Peaks.Picacho Peak Recreation Area parkingMeet docents Mary and Anne to learn about the history of the Butterfield Trail and the geologic past that formed this desert peak. (history focus) (~3 miles, roundtrip) 
Saturday, May 10
multiple event times!
No registration needed.Dripping Springs Visitor Center
  • 7 a.m. Bird banding in Ice Canyon with master birder Mara Weisenberger.
  • 8 a.m. Easy bird walk with Mesilla Valley Audubon Society (MVAS) and BLM wildlife biologist Meredith.
  • 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Chat with folks from MVAS to learn more about your local birds and how to protect them!
  • 10:30-12:30 p.m. MVAS-Facilitated nature journaling in Ice Canyon.
  • 12:30-12:50 p.m. Hummingbird chat in the Native Plant Garden with docent Don Dapkus.
Saturday, May 17, 8-10:30 a.m.*Please register at Friends of the Organ Mountain-Desert Peaks.La Cueva Group Site at Dripping Springs Natural AreaEnjoy broad vistas of the Monument and Mesilla Valley while learning its history and ethnobotany along this 1.5-mile hike to the cave and back with docent Tom!
Friday, May 23 at 5 p.m.No registration needed.La Cueva Group Site at Dripping Springs Natural AreaMeet Artist-in-Residence Poet James-Hovda for a scavenger hunt of local natural materials then regroup to put them to use in creating your own personal piece of art with guidance from Poet at the Group Site!
Sunday, May 25, 4:30-8 p.m.Yes, email Kevin.Baylor Pass east trailhead at Aguirre SpringDiscover the origins of the Organ Mountains and the common threads that link them to other geologic wonders of the Chihuahuan Desert like White Sands and the Guadalupe Mountains with Ranger Kevin. Come prepared for a 4-mile roundtrip hike that ascends 900ft to Baylor Pass.

Monday, May 26
8-10:30 a.m.
*Please register at Friends of the Organ Mountain-Desert Peaks.Baylor Pass west trailhead on Baylor
Canyon Rd
The Civil War Comes to the Mesilla Valley: Experience the stories and struggles of our region's past that shaped it into the comp and beautiful place of today along this 1.5 mile hike with docent Tom.
Saturday, May 31, 8-10:30 a.m.Yes, email Meredith.Dripping Springs Visitor CenterB.A.R.K Ranger Program, swear-in, and hike with wildlife biologist Meredith! All leashed dog take part will earn a certificate. The first 7 to sign up and show up leashed and ready will also receive an OMDP BARK Ranger dog tag.

Hikes take place on rough, uneven terrain. Arrive in appropriate footwear/clothing for the weather with sun protection, snacks as needed, and plenty of water. *Some dates may not appear for registration until closer to the date.

A logo from the Organ Mountain Desert-Peaks friend group celebrating the tenth anniversary of the monument designation.

Contact

Las Cruces District Office
1800 Marquess Street
Las Cruces, NM 88005-3371

BLM_NM_LCDO_Mail@blm.gov