Last updated: January 22, 2024
Thing to Do
Discover Water at Dripping Springs
NPS Photo
Discover a rare source of water in the desert along the Dripping Springs Trail! It is a year-round water source that is great for spotting wildlife. The trailhead is found at a pullout along North Puerto Blanco Drive, a high clearance, 4-wheel drive recommended road.
This short trail winds through a beautiful flat basin area between mountains until it hits a series of switchbacks near its end that climb to Dripping Springs. Saguaro, organ pipe, agave, and other Sonoran Desert plants surround the trail year-long, and ephemeral wildflowers such as lupine and phacelia carpet the area in springtime.
Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km) roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation change: 100 feet (30.5 m)
This short trail winds through a beautiful flat basin area between mountains until it hits a series of switchbacks near its end that climb to Dripping Springs. Saguaro, organ pipe, agave, and other Sonoran Desert plants surround the trail year-long, and ephemeral wildflowers such as lupine and phacelia carpet the area in springtime.
Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km) roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation change: 100 feet (30.5 m)
Details
Duration
1-2 Hours
Activity
Hiking
Pets Allowed
Yes
Activity Fee
Yes
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Dripping Springs Trailhead
The Dripping Springs Trailhead is located at a pullout along North Puerto Blanco Drive about 45 minutes to an hour into the drive. Turn right from the Kris Eggle Visitor Center parking area and drive straight to find the North Puerto Blanco Drive entrance signage.
Reservations
Yes
Accessibility Information
The initial trail is dirt and small rocks but it soon passes through small washes requiring a bit of climbing down larger rocks. The final part of the trail is a series of switchbacks climbing ~70 feet to the spring. If you are curious about accessibility for your needs please contact the park.