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| White Sands National Park - the strip of white in the distance - is one of many sites that can be seen from the Indian Hollow Trail in the Organ Mountains. |
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| Indian Hollow Trail map. Click for larger version. |
The 5-mile out-and-back trail is not for the inexperienced hiker, as it gains 1893 feet elevation at a high altitude. Good hiking boots are required, as loose rocks abound on the trail.
To reach the trailhead, from U.S. Hwy. 70 between Las Cruces and Alamogordo, go south on Aguirre Springs Road. Drive 6.1 miles to a turnoff for the trailhead, which is northeast of the Aguirre Springs Group Area. Park at the road's end.
Boulder, stream crossings
The trail begins at about 5450 feet above sea level with a gentle ascent. In short order, the trail crosses Sotol Creek then turns sharp east.
Because the trail climbs bare rock and goes up and down some drainages, some hikers have had difficulty staying on the trail. Watch for cairns to keep you on the route. More importantly, practice tried and true navigation techniques by frequently checking your map and compass, aiming for a point, and once there repeating that step.
About halfway through the hike, the trail crosses a stream (the third stream you'll head over) then parallels it and a tributary. Cottonwoods and pines line the creeks. This is a great area for birding.
From there, the trail begins a steep ascent up a dividing ridge. After crossing the tributary, the trail sits below the Organ Needle's soaring walls on the west and Sugarloaf Peak to the west.
About a fifth of a mile from the tributary, the trail peters out. You're at about 7340 feet elevation.
Incredible vistas
The reward for all the effort is the jaw-dropping views.
To the northeast is White Sands Missile Base and beyond that the sprawling white dunes of White Sands National Park. The major needles of the Organ Mountains are to the east. The Needles is the northernmost of them at 8416 feet high while the Organ Needle is the southernmost at 8885 feet.
Sugarloaf Peak, shrouded in Douglas firs, Gambel's oaks, and pines, is to the southeast, topping out at 8015 feet. If you look close enough, you'll probably spot tiny figures hiking to its top.
On the walk back to the trailhead, Rabbit Ears peak sits to the northwest at 8006 feet. Baylor Peak is beyond it at 7668 feet.
During winter, snow can be on the trail, and by autumn, it can be overgrown in spots. It's best hiked during spring early in the morning to avoid the midday heat.
As parts of the trail are mot shaded, be sure to don sunscreen and sunglasses. Leashed dogs are allowed on trail.
