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 Tortugas Mountain? Tortugas Mountain Recreation Area is located in Las Cruces, New Mexico, off of University Drive/Dripping Springs Road. Why visit Tortugas Mountain? Visit Tortugas Mountain for the views of the Organ Mountains (to the East) and Las Cruces (to the West). What should one expect on the trails at Tortugas Mountain? There are trails circling the base of the mountain, as well as ascending to the summit. Trails around the base of the mountain are also open to mountain biking and horseback riding. The hike to the summit and back is about a mile each way and can be combined with one of the trails around the base of the mountain to create a 5-6 mile hike.  The trails are generally wide and lined by desert vegetation. The trails to the summit are fairly steep and rocky, with about 700 feet of elevation gain. There isn't much shade, so be sure to wear sunscreen, or cover exposed skin, and bring plenty of water. The summit rises to an elevation of 4,928 feet and, as ...

Where is Soledad Canyon? Soledad Canyon is located in the western foothills of the Organ Mountains, approximately ten miles east of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Soledad Canyon Day Use Area, administered by the Bureau of Land Management, is located at the juncture of Soledad Canyon and Bar Canyon.   What should one expect on the trails at Soledad Canyon? The Bar Canyon Loop provides excellent views of the Organ Mountains and Mesilla Valley. The trail is between 3 and 3.5 miles round-trip. It is an easy hike, but stable footwear is recommended, as the trail surfaces are mostly loose rock. While you will want to pay close attention at the beginning of the route, as it is somewhat easy to get diverted down a dry stream bed, most of the trail is well-marked and easy to follow. In addition to the scenic views, highlights of the trail include a historic homestead and a seasonal waterfall. The flow of the waterfall is dependent upon recent rainfall.   Soledad Canyon Day Use Area is open d...

Where is Picacho Peak Recreation Area located? Picacho Peak Recreation Area is located just northwest of Las Cruces, New Mexico, about seven miles from downtown. What should one expect on the trails at Picacho Peak Recreation Area? Picacho Peak sits just under 5,000 feet of elevation (4,959 feet). It is composed mostly of rhyolite (mostly quartz and feldspar). The recreation area sits on 13,000 acres. Be prepared, as the final 1.5 miles of road approaching the recreation area are unpaved and not particularly smooth. A high-clearance vehicle, while not a necessity, allows for easier access. Due to the location, the opportunity for solitude exists when hiking at Picacho Peak. On my last afternoon trip, I only saw one other hiker on the trails and one person walking a dog near the trailhead. Over 15 miles of hiking, mountain biking, equestrian, and ATV trails are available within the recreation area. A 1.5-mile hiking-only trail leads to the peak, offering striking views of the Organ Mo...

Where is Dripping Springs Natural Area? Dripping Springs Natural Area is located about ten miles east of Las Cruces, New Mexico, on the western side of the Organ Mountains.  What should one expect on the trails at Dripping Springs Natural Area? A little over four miles of easy hiking trails are available at Dripping Springs. Vegetation is primarily desert scrub and low-elevation pinion juniper and oak woodlands. Wildlife sightings are common (I encountered a herd of desert mule deer grazing on my last visit). Views of the Organ Mountains and a natural spring affectionately known as "the weeping wall" are also prominent features of the hikes at Dripping Springs. Along with the natural sights, there are several preserved historical structures, with explanatory signage. These buildings provide an idea of what life may have been like for early settlers in the area. The site is open year-round, with the exceptions of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Yea...