Last updated: January 22, 2024
Thing to Do
Unearth Dripping Springs Mine
NPS Photo
Wind your way through the Puerto Blanco mountains to discover an old copper mine!
The Dripping Springs Mine Trail follows a historic mining road 1.4 miles to its end. The mine may be spotted directly west of the end of the road and is accessible after crossing a deep wash. The road is scenic is provides beautiful views of the Sonoran Desert landscape: majestic volcanic mountains of purple rhyolite and black basalt, large saguaro forests and organ pipe cacti are found along this trail as it meanders between the mountain basins.
This beautiful area of the monument is rarely visited and is a great place to enjoy having the trail to yourself out in the desert wilderness.
Distance: 2.8 mile (4.5 km) roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation change: 50 feet (30.5 m)
The Dripping Springs Mine Trail follows a historic mining road 1.4 miles to its end. The mine may be spotted directly west of the end of the road and is accessible after crossing a deep wash. The road is scenic is provides beautiful views of the Sonoran Desert landscape: majestic volcanic mountains of purple rhyolite and black basalt, large saguaro forests and organ pipe cacti are found along this trail as it meanders between the mountain basins.
This beautiful area of the monument is rarely visited and is a great place to enjoy having the trail to yourself out in the desert wilderness.
Distance: 2.8 mile (4.5 km) roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation change: 50 feet (30.5 m)
Details
Duration
2-3 Hours
Activity
Hiking
Pets Allowed
Yes
Activity Fee
Yes
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Dripping Springs Mine
The Dripping Springs Mine trailhead is located at a pullout along North Puerto Blanco Drive, a high clearance, 4-wheel drive recommended road. The pullout is a 45 minute to an hour drive in, not far after the Dripping Springs trailhead.
Reservations
Yes
Accessibility Information
The trail is dirt but passes through small washes requiring a bit of climbing down larger rocks. The trail ends and a steep ~15 foot wash must be crossed to get to the mine. If you are curious about accessibility for your needs please contact the park.