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LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The Easter weekend is just around the corner and the Bureau of Land Management would like to remind the public of five special places ready and waiting to be part of their holiday outdoor activities.  All five locations have excellent recreational opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking, camping and picnicking.  So what are you waiting for?  Check out these public lands and decide which BLM location fits into your holiday plans.

Aguirre Spring Campground (Campground) is the only high-country campground in the Las Cruces/El Paso/Juarez region, and often reaches its maximum capacity during the busy Easter weekend.  The Campground includes a horse corral, two recreational trailheads (Pine Loop and Baylor Pass), and 57 camping/picnicking sites with covered tables, campfire rings and charcoal grills.  There are two large group sites, which can be reserved in advance. Overnight camping is $7 per vehicle ($3.50 with valid Senior Federal Lands Pass).  Day-use is $5 per vehicle per day (free with any valid federal lands pass).  Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Dripping Springs Natural Area (Natural Area) has over 4 miles of easy hiking trails, including the Dripping Springs Trail, which shows off desert scrub and low elevation piñon-juniper and oak woodlands.  It also has a visitor center, handicapped-accessible restrooms, 12 picnic sites, and one large family/group picnic site that can be reserved for events.  The entrance fee to Dripping Springs is $5 per day per vehicle.  Dogs are not allowed on portions of the La Cueva and Dripping Springs Trails.  In addition, hikers are prohibited from entering, walking, or climbing on historical structures.  Hours: 7 a.m. to sunset.
• Prehistoric Trackways National Monument (Monument) is a great venue for hiking and taking in the views of the east valley.  On April 20, the BLM paleontologist will lead a hike to the Discovery Site from 8 to 11 a.m. in the morning.  Hikers are asked to meet at the second parking lot of the Monument.  Located in the Robledo Mountains northwest of Las Cruces, the Monument also contains the SST Trail, which is an extremely technical mountain biking trail that traverses challenging rocky terrain, steep canyons, and mountaintop ridges -- and requires expert riding skills.
• Soledad Canyon Day Use Area includes the 3-mile loop Bar Canyon Trail, which offers an easy and scenic hike very close to Las Cruces.  The Bar Canyon Trail includes scenic vistas of the central Organ Mountains and the southern Mesilla Valley.  While parking is limited, there is no fee to hike in Soledad Canyon.  Hikers are prohibited from entering, walking, or climbing on the historical structures in this area.  Hours: 7 a.m. to sunset.
• Tortugas ‘A’ Mountain Recreation Area’s trails are used regularly by nearby residents for short, but quality biking and hiking opportunities.  The lower mountain biking trails are a great place for beginners to the sport.  As skills are developed, there are more technical routes available as well.  Ramadas with tables are available on the east and west side of ‘A’ Mountain for those who secure them first. The use of this area is free to the public.  

When visiting these areas, the BLM encourages all visitors to “Leave No Trace” and follow these important advisories: 1) Clean up all litter, including debris from pets, and dispose of it properly; 2) Have pets leashed at all times, and don’t allow them to disturb other visitors or harass wildlife; 3) Build fires in grills or existing fire rings only; 4) Do not discharge fireworks and firearms as they are prohibited; and 5) The use of confetti eggs and water balloons will result in a littering citation.

Exact cash (no credit cards) will be accepted at any of the fee use areas.  However, the BLM will accept the America the Beautiful Passes - Golden Age and Access, and the BLM Las Cruces District Office Recreation Pass for all entrance and use fees.

These are just a few areas in the Las Cruces vicinity the public can enjoy.  For more information on other public land to explore in southern New Mexico, call the BLM office at 575-525-4300 or go to www.blm.gov/new-mexico.