Skywatch Friday: Dripping Springs

Last weekend we flew down to New Mexico for our nephew's graduation (more on that coming later).  After the graduation ceremony and celebratory lunch, several of us loaded up and headed to Dripping Springs for a hike.


Dripping Springs was originally named Van Patten's Mountain Camp after the man who built it, Colonel Eugene Van Patten.  It was built in the late 1800s and included several guest rooms, a dining room, and a concert hall.  In 1917 it was purchased by a doctor from San Francisco and became a sanatorium where tuberculosis patients went for treatment.


 

Now just the ruins remain.



I love the history of the place.  I wonder about all the people who visited there during its prime.


Incredible mountain views!


Beautiful desert vegetation.


Great family!


If you're ever in Las Cruces I highly recommend Dripping Springs.  It's a 3 mile hike with the added bonus of a little history.  No better way to enjoy some of the world's beauty in the most unexpected place.

Happy Skywatch Friday!

Comments

fredamans said…
Love the group selfie! :-)
May 15, 2015 at 12:14 PM
Coastal BC Stories Books said…
I love exploring old ruins. We have some abandoned logging camps and cabins in our area that are fun to visit. - Margy
May 15, 2015 at 4:17 PM
Spare Parts and Pics said…
What a great post!! Really interesting ruins with amazing history. I like the family shot, too!!
May 15, 2015 at 7:11 PM
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