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.
March/April 2025 Guides Hikes and Programs
Free and open to the public except entrance fees when applicable.
| Date and Time | Registration | Meet At | Description/Details |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sunday |
Please register at Friends of the Organ Mountain-Desert Peaks. | Meets at the Sierra Vista Trailhead off Dripping Springs Road. | Tom Darmody leads you through our history with the land with quotes and perspectives of famed naturalists, conservationists, and environmental scientists as the sun sets on monumental vistas ( 4 miles round trip). |
|
Tuesday |
No registration needed. |
Doña Ana Mtn parking area |
No April Fool’s here! Join Ranger Lance for a sunset MTB ride and learn some basic safety, maintenance, and trail etiquette along the way! Riders must bring their own trail-ready mountain bike and helmet. |
|
Saturday |
No registration needed. |
Prehistoric Trackways, first parking area |
Celebrate PTNM’s Sweet 16 with us!
With a sweet birthday treat courtesy of Friends of OMDP! |
| Saturday April 12 8-10:30 a.m. |
Please register at Friends of the Organ Mountain-Desert Peaks. | Portal sign on Dripping Springs Rd. |
Capture the beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert along this relatively easy photography and ethnobotany hike of the lower La Maria Trail with docent Tom Dormody. |
| Saturday April 12 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. |
Yes, email Garrett. | Peña Blanca trailhead |
Meet BLM archaeologist Garrett for a hike to consider what sustains us and how the plants and geology of this landscape may have sustained indigenous peoples of the past (4 miles round-trip) gleitermann@blm.gov. |
| Sunday April 13 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. |
Please register at Friends of the Organ Mountain-Desert Peaks. | Sierra Vista Trail parking area on County Rd 8059 off I-10 |
Explore the relationship between geology, mining, and the modern landscape on this challenging hike around the southern tip of Bishops Cap with docent Tom Dormody. --Difficult hike due to 6-mile length and rugged terrain. Snacks, a packed lunch, sun protection, & proper attire including trekking pole highly recommended. |
| Tuesday April 15 6 p.m.-Sunset |
No registration needed. | Doña Ana Mtn parking area | Join Ranger Lance for a sunset MTB ride and learn some basic safety, maintenance, and trail etiquette along the way! Riders must bring their own trail-ready mountain bike and helmet. |
| Saturday April 19 8 a.m.-12 p.m. |
Please register at Friends of the Organ Mountain-Desert Peaks. | Picacho Peak Rec. Area parking | Volcanoes and Trail Dust—Meet docents Anne and Mary to learn about the geologic past that formed this desert peak and the history of Picacho Peak and the Butterfield trail. (geology focus) (~3.5 miles) |
| Saturday & Sunday April 19/20 11a.m.-1p.m. |
No registration needed. | Aguirre Spring Recreation Area | Swing by campsite #4 and make natural dye from local materials to decorate your own paper egg* while learning a little science and indigenous plant use! *while supplies last |
| Tuesday April 22 6 p.m.-Sunset |
No registration needed. | Doña Ana Mtn parking area | Celebrate Earth Day with beautiful Chihuahuan Desert vistas in the Doña Ana Mountains on this sunset MTB ride with Ranger Lance! Riders must bring their own trail-ready mountain bike and helmet. |
| Saturday April 26 9 a.m.-1 p.m. |
Yes, email Kevin. | Baylor Pass trailhead at Aguirre Spring Rec. Area | Discover 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. kchesak@blm.gov |
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.
Contact
Las Cruces District Office
1800 Marquess Street
Las Cruces, NM 88005-3371