Special BLM Outdoor Presentation Features "The Hermit" and La Cueva
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The public is invited to join the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for a free evening presentation highlighting one of the most famous and mysterious characters from the history of the Mesilla Valley called "The Hermit." In a historical re-enactment, the Hermit will host a talk on October 22, 2016, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the La Cueva Group Use Area in the BLM Dripping Springs Natural Area, a short 10-mile drive from Las Cruces, off Exit 1 on Interstate 25 east on University Drive and Dripping Springs Road.
In addition to the talk, the Hermit will lead a one-mile sunset hike to his former home called La Cueva, or the Cave. The hike will begin from the La Cueva Group Use Area.
While the event is free, a $5.00 vehicle parking pass will apply, except for visitors who have the Golden Age, Access, America the Beautiful, or the BLM Las Cruces District Office Recreation Pass. Visitors planning to hike to La Cueva are reminded to wear comfortable hiking attire, and bring water, sun protection, and a camera.
A unique geological and archaeological feature, La Cueva is a rock shelter located at the foot of the Organ Mountains and is part of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument. The shelter was occupied from almost 5,000 BC through the historic period that followed the Europeans. In the mid-1970s, approximately 100,000 artifacts were recovered in La Cueva by the University of Texas at El Paso.
For more information, please contact the Dripping Springs Visitor Center at 575-522-1219 or the BLM Las Cruces District Office at 575-525-4300.
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.