Chihuahuan Wildlife Dripping Springs Natural Area

A GORP Content Partner Adapted from New Mexico Wildlife Viewing Guide by Jane S. MacCarter

The rock-dwelling collared lizard frequents canyons and areas where vegetation is sparse. It uses boulders for basking and lookouts.

Viewing Information: Excellent year-round viewing of red-tailed hawk, Gambel's quail, and rock squirrel. Very good viewing of desert mule deer and coyote year-round. Good viewing of golden eagle spring and summer. Also watch for road runners, black-throated sparrow, ladder-backed woodpecker, verdin, black-tailed gnatcatcher, lesser nighthawk, Scott's oriole, cactus wren, desert cottontail, and collared and tree lizard in spring and summer. Occasional sightings of mountain lion, of which this area has a viable population.

Directions: From Interstate 25 in Las Cruces, take the University Exit. Travel east 9 miles on University Avenue (County Road 77) to site. Watch for signs to A. B. Cox Visitor Center at the preserve. No admittance after 3 p.m.; gate closes at 8 p.m. It's a 1.5 mile hike to the springs.

Closest Town: Las Cruces

Ownership: Bureau of Land Management, (505) 522-1219, in cooperation with The Nature Conservancy

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