This Underrated National Monument Just Might Be The Most Beautiful Place In New Mexico
Although some people are convinced that New Mexico is a flat state, others are aware that we have more than our share of mountains. Still, even those in the know tend to focus on the Sandia or Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and ski areas like Taos. The mountains of Southern New Mexico are often overlooked.
On a national level, that changed in May of 2014, when the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument was established.
Now, 496,330 acres of land, located between the cities of Las Cruces and El Paso, have been set aside.
The beauty of the Organ Mountains cannot be denied.
The top of the Organ Needle, the highest peak in the range, is at an altitude of 8990 feet.
Recreational opportunities are boundless and include everything from hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding to slower paced activities such as visiting historical sites.
Popular trails include the 4-mile long Pine Tree Trail, which leads to the bottom of the Organ Needles. Horses are permitted on the 6-mile long Baylor Pass Trail, while mountain bikers are welcome to use the Sierra Vista Trail.
Popular trails include the 4-mile long Pine Tree Trail, which leads to the bottom of the Organ Needles. Horses are permitted on the 6-mile long Baylor Pass Trail, while mountain bikers are welcome to use the Sierra Vista Trail.
The trails in the Dripping Springs Natural Area are especially pretty.
(No pets on the trails here.)
(No pets on the trails here.)
The path takes you by the ruins of an old resort turned sanatorium...
...And is filled with spectacular scenery.
This monument also contains Kilbourne Hole, which is a National Natural Landmark. This pit is the result of a volcanic explosion that occurred at least 24,000 years ago. The image pictured is an aerial shot.
This is what the Kilbourne Hole looks like as you approach.
It's located in a fairly remote part of the monument that lacks amenities but, if you're up for a drive, it's a quite a sight.
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks is a vast area to explore. You can pay $5 for a day use pass or, for a few bucks more, you can stay overnight at the Aguirre Spring Campground.
Can you imagine falling asleep at night under the shadow of mountains like this...
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks is a vast area to explore. You can pay $5 for a day use pass or, for a few bucks more, you can stay overnight at the Aguirre Spring Campground.
Can you imagine falling asleep at night under the shadow of mountains like this...
...And waking up the next day to these views?
The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument isn’t just gorgeous, it also encompasses 243 petroglyph and archeological sites, Geronimo’s Cave, and astronaut training sites that were used to prepare for the Apollo Mission.
Have you been here yet? What were your impressions?
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