As you hike up into the Organ Mountains at Dripping Springs Recreation Area, you pass along the desert floor, past scrubby juniper and pinon, and finally into tall pines. This hike takes you to the ruins of Dripping Springs resort a former hotel. You can also visit La Cueva, a large cave which was once home to the ancient Mogollon Indians. More recently, an eccentric Italian nobleman lived here as a hermit until he was mysteriously murdered. Bring your own water for this friendly but rigorous hike. Closes at sundown.
Location: University Avenue east about 11 miles.