Out On Trail

  Where is Aguirre Spring Recreation Area? Aguirre Spring is located just East of Las Cruces, on the East side of the Organ Mountains. Why visit Aguirre Spring Recreation Area ? Aguirre Spring offers spectacular views of the Organ Mountains and Tularosa Basin. Trailheads for two National Recreation Trails reside within the recreation area. Inexpensive camping, with limited amenities, is also available. What should one expect on the trails at Aguirre Spring Recreation Area? Before setting out for the trails at Aguirre Spring, one should know that the last four miles of the access road are a winding and increasingly steep one-way loop. The road is paved and was in good condition when I visited, but please exercise caution and patience when arriving or departing the recreation area. Also, know that these trails are popular, so expect to encounter other hikers rather frequently. The Pine Tree National Recreation Trail is a 4-mile loop. Starting from approximately 5,500 feet above se...

  Where is the High Peaks Wilderness? The High Peaks Wilderness is located in Franklin, Essex, and Hamilton Counties, in northern New York. Cascade Mountain and Porter Mountain are found in the northeastern portion of the High Peaks Wilderness. Why visit the High Peaks Wilderness? As the name would imply, the area is known for its mountainous terrain and is home to most of New York's highest summits. There are many scenic streams and waterfalls, in addition to the panoramic views. What should one expect on the trails in the High Peaks Wilderness? Porter and Cascade are considered two of the easiest of the 46 Adirondack High Peaks to summit. That doesn't mean they should be considered easy hikes. The hike to Porter Mountain, from the Highway 73 trailhead, is 2.8 miles and includes elevation gain of just under 2,000 feet. The trail branches off towards Porter Mountain just before the summit of Cascade Mountain, so it's relatively easy to make the quick side trip and bag both...