BLM to work on loop road to Aguirre Spring Recreation Area
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LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Starting the week of March 15, 2020, the Bureau of Land Management will begin work to replace a cattle guard on the main access road at Aguirre Spring Recreation Area. While public access to the site may be restricted at times, the BLM plans to provide access throughout most of the project, which may take up to two weeks to complete. The campground and hiking trails will be open during the road work.
During the first week, a new cattle guard will be installed, and fence line will be connected to the new cattleguard. Once the installation is complete, the BLM will remove the old cattle guard and patch the pavement. Throughout the project, BLM staff will post signs to notify the public of the ongoing work and will advise people to proceed with caution.
Aguirre Spring Recreation Area has the only high-country campground in the La Cruces/El Paso/Juarez region. It is a popular picnic and campground site, including 57 family sites and two group sites that can be reserved. 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 Augustine Pass. Daily summer hours (March 8 – October 31, 2020) are from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The entry gate is closed after 8 p.m. to ensure the campground occupants can enjoy a restful camping experience.
The campground access road can accommodate most RV/campers, except for any units longer than 23 feet. Visitors can bring their own firewood for campfires in designated areas, as well as charcoal or gas grills for cooking. However, the cutting and gathering of wood or vegetation for campfires is strictly prohibited.
While dogs are allowed in the campground, visitors are always required to have them on a leash and to clean up after them.
Fees for Aguirre Spring Campground are collected at the self-pay station at the entrance, including day-use fees of $5 per vehicle per day, and overnight camping fees of $7 per vehicle/RV/camper per night. However, with an annual pass, the day-use fee is free, while the overnight camping fee is reduced to $3.50 per night. The collected fees go to maintain the campground amenities, and BLM advises visitors to bring correct change or a check to cover the fees.
For additional information about the road project or to purchase an annual pass, please contact the BLM Las Cruces District at 575-525-4300 or stop by the office located at 1800 Marquess Street in Las Cruces.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.