November, 2018
I'd been to the Organ Mountains earlier this year (here), and on that trip I tried to visit all the major units of the monument. For this trip, I would be focusing only on the Organ Mountains, proper.
New Mexico
This is a recent National Monument; I don't think it has ever been crowded.
At any rate, the two times I've been there, it has been a rare thing to meet
anybody else on the trail.
Organ Mountains - Desert Peaks National Monument
There's a paved road off of US-70 that will take you to the base of the mountains on the east side, where you'll find a campground and several trailheads. Note that the visitor center is on the west side of the mountain (near Las Cruces).
The one-way road pointing towards The Needles.
I'll be walking a few miles of the Pine Tree Trail. It's classified as moderate, which means you'll find a number of rocks to use as steps, but there's never a point where you'll wish for a rope or railing (that, of course, isn't there).
There are trails that will take you over the mountains--I'm not doing that.
It's not all that late in the day, but when the sun drops beyond the mountain ridge, the temperature drops fifteen degrees. That's my cue to return to the trailhead.
Moonrise over the Organ Mountains as seen from Las Cruces.
The last time I was here, I hiked a just small part of Soledad Canyon, but didn't get too far before returning (it was getting dark). Today, I'll be doing the whole loop. This is an easier walk than the Pine Tree Trail. Some climbs, but not really any big rocks.
A view looking to the west, towards Las Cruces.
There's a waterfall of some sort up this narrow canyon. That's where I am heading.
It's more likely that this old structure is what remains of a mining camp.
There is water running down the rocks, but you wouldn't really call it a waterfall this time of year. It's a beautiful place.
Another view of the Needles.
This is the Baylor Canyon Trail, which could eventually take you over the mountains to link up with the Pine Tree trail. I won't be going that far.
I'm heading towards the hills in front. This is an easy walk, but it is a constant climb, which can be fatiguing. Once into the mountains, proper, there are several places with steps up the rocks.
It's been a steady climb to get to this spot.
I'd only imagine that the Organ Mountains could be pretty hot in the summer, but visiting in November (or February as I did earlier) is an ideal time.