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| Hiking | 1.11 Miles |
205 AEG |
| | Hiking | 1.11 Miles | 32 Mns | | 2.38 mph |
| 205 ft AEG | 4 Mns Break | 6 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | Dripping Springs is one of the few springs in Organ Pipe National Monument.
Logistics/Getting There
Reaching Dripping Springs requires a scenic drive on North Puerto Blanco Drive, a one-way section within the park. From the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Visitor Center, head north on Puerto Blanco Drive and continue into the dirt one-way section until you see the signed turnoff for the Dripping Springs Trailhead.
Navigation
The initial section is a well-defined path following an old county road. As you progress along the ascent the trail becomes rock and the correct route become less obvious, look for a signed junction indicating the direction of Dripping Springs and the ridge. You can hear the water as you approach the springs and there are two seeps in the side of the mountain.
Weather
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument experiences scorching summers and mild winters. Spring (March-May) and fall (October-November) are the most comfortable times to tackle Dripping Springs Trail. Be mindful of potential flash floods during monsoons (July-September) and always check the park's weather forecast before your hike.
Trail Conditions
The trail is a mix of dirt initially and solid (though uneven) rock on the ridge. The initial portion of the trail is fully exposed with some shade possible as you ascend depending on the season and time of day.
General Comments and Musings
The initial stretch of Dripping Springs Trail is a pleasant desert walk and with the mountains and saguaro making for a photogenic view. As you ascend the seeping water and shade allows for grass and other vegetation to survive. There are two springs, the first is effectively a seep and is very small right along the side of the trail. The 2nd is the actual "dripping" spring and is audible as you approach. There were a lot of bees and other insects in the vicinity that were taking advantage of the water source.
There is an additional trail that continues up to Dripping Springs Saddle that we did not take as we were doing other trails on this time. However, with the benefit of hindsight, this was one of the better trails in Organ Pipe National Monument and continuing on the the saddle likely would have made it even better. Next Time we are here we will go the rest of the way for sure. |
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