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| The Organ Mountains rise to 9000 feet east of Las Cruces, New Mexico. |
Among the most popular of the national monuments’ sections is the Organ Mountains, which stretches for several miles east of Las Cruces. This steep mountain range rises off the desert floor to 9000 feet above sea level, delivering a number of pointed peaks, narrow canyons, and ponderosa pine woodlands to discover.
There are three general areas in the Organ Mountains where trailheads are found: Dripping Springs; Baylor Canyon Road; Aguirre Springs.
Dripping Springs
Located on the Organ Mountain’s west face, the Dripping Springs area is roughly at the range’s center and directly west of Las Cruces. To reach the following trails, from Interstate 25 and University Avenue in Las Cruces, take the latter east. University becomes Dripping Springs Road.
• Achenbach Canyon Trail – Great views of the Organ Mountains await on this 5.5-mile route southwest of Las Cruces. It sports an elevation gain of 1,272 feet to a walking trail known as Soledad Canyon Road. From Dripping Springs Road, turn right/south onto the street Soledad Canyon Road then right/south onto Ladera Canyon Road. The trailhead is on the left/east in about about 0.6 miles. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail.
• Bar Canyon Trail – Hikers can explore the ruins of an 1800s ranch in the Organ Mountains’ western foothills on this 1.3 mile trail. Located in the Soledad Canyon Day Use Area, mule deer usually can be spotted grazing in the canyon as well. From Dripping Springs Road take Soledad Canyon Road, right/south. Parking and the trailhead is at the road’s end.
• Dripping Springs Trail – Day hikers can see a rare waterfalls in the desert on this moderately challenging 2.7-mile trail. Because of the lush environs, this trail also is great for birdwatching. Park at the A.B. Cox Visitor Center; the trail heads southeast from it. A fee is charged for parking and no dogs are allowed.
• Fillmore Canyon Trail – A 40-foot waterfall awaits at the end of a canyon in this 2.1-mile out and back trail. Fillmore Falls is narrow but thanks to being spring-fed runs year-round. Park at the La Cueva Picnic area, from which the trail heads northeast.
• La Cueva Trail – A cave that has been inhabited for at least 5000 years sits at the end of this 1.1-mile out and back trail. The rock shelter also is known as the Hermit’s Cave. Park at the A.B. Cox Visitor Center; the trail heads northwest from it across the former Hayner Resort Airstrip. A fee is charged for parking and no dogs are allowed.
• Organ Needles Trail – Hikers can head across the desert valley then up to Needles Peak on this 5.8-mile out and back trail. It is a very difficult hike meant only for experienced hikers who are in good shape, as the trail sports a 3,562-foot elevation gain. Park at the La Cueva Picnic area, from which the trail heads northeast. Dogs are not allowed and hikers should carry additional water.
• Sierra Vista Trail – Hikers can walk along the base of the Organ Mountains on this 29-mile one-way trail connecting Las Cruces and El Paso. Creosote, ocotillo and cacti – a well as wildlife in the remote sections – abound along the trail. As the trail is entirely on the floor of the Chihuahuan Desert, it is best avoided during summer. Watch for the parking lot and trailhead on Dripping Springs Road’s right/south side.
• Tortugas Mountain Trail – Hikers can take a loop on the mountain sporting a large A in tribute to New Mexico State's Aggies on this 3.9-mile route. Though rocky at times, the trail offers great views of the Organ Mountains and the Mesilla Valley. At Sonoma Ranch Boulevard, go right/south. A parking lot and trailhead are at the road's end.
Baylor Canyon Road
Several trails on the north side of the Organ Mountain’s west face can be accessed via Baylor Canyon road in the high desert. To reach the following trails, from Interstate 25 and U.S. Hwy. 70 in Las Cruces, take the latter east toward Organ. Turn right/south onto Baylor Canyon Road.
• Baylor Canyon Pass Trail – Hikers can head from desert foothills to tree-covered terrain at a mountain pass on this 6.3-mile out and back trail. There is a 1548-foot elevation gain. From Interstate 25 and U.S. Hwy. 70 in Las Cruces, take the latter east toward Organ. The parking lot and trailhead is on the left/east side of Baylor Canyon Road. A day use pass is required, but dogs are allowed.
• Mine House Spring Trail – Ruins of a former mountainside mine await hikers on this 3.6-mile out and back trail. At one time, the Hayner Ruby Mine drew fluorite from the rock beneath the Rabbit Ears. The trail boasts a 1,072-foot elevation gain, and dogs are allowed. Shoulder parking and the trailhead is in about five miles from Hwy. 70. The trail often is shown as Topp Hut Road on maps.
• Rabbit Ears Plateau Trail – Hikers can clamber to one of the points on the Rabbit Ears formation via this 6.1-mile out and back trail. Because of the 2,893 feet elevation gain in a desert environment, this trail is recommended only for experienced, fit hikers. Shoulder parking and the trailhead are on the left/east in about 4 miles from Hwy. 70.
Aguirre Springs
This area sits high in the mountains’ north side from its eastern face. To reach the following trails, from From U.S. Hwy. 70 east of Las Cruces, go right/south on Aguirre Springs Road.
• Indian Hollow Trail – Day hikers can enjoy fantastic views of spires and the desert basin below on this route in the Aquirre Springs area. 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. 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.
• Pine Tree Trail – Hikers can explore the base of the Needles foundation on this 4-mile lollipop trail. Be sure to bring water; there are no springs. The parking lot and trail is just past the Aguirre Springs Campground. A parking fee is required and dogs are allowed on the trail.
• Sugarloaf Peak Trail – Unless a rock climber, hiking to the top of the prominent Sugarloaf Peak granite dome isn’t possible. Day hikers can get close, however, by walking 6 miles round trip to a large semicircular depression, known as the "eye,” on the peak. The eye sits at 7500 feet elevation, about 515 feet below the monolith's summit. 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 and start on the Indian Hollow Trail then take the spur to Sugarloaf Peak.
Read Part II
