Las Cruces - Hiking

The Organ Mountains located directly to the east of Las Cruces offer their visitors good trail systems in varying lengths and difficulties. Two National Recreation Areas protect land within the Organ Mountains, the Aquirre Springs NRA and the Dripping Springs NRA. Dominated by Organ Peak at 8,872 ft and Organ Needle at 8,990 ft, the Organ Mountains offer great opportunity for hiking ranging from a casual half-day to a multi-day backpacking adventure. Located within the Aguirre Springs NRA, the Baylor Pass National Recreation Trail is a local favorite day hike that crests the Organ Mountains and offers impressive panoramic views of the Mesilla Valley, Las Cruces and Rio Grande area to the west and the Tularodsa Valley and White Sands area to the east. Also located within Aguirre Springs, The Pine Tree National Recreation Trail is a popular four-mile loop hike that climbs to the base of the Organ Needles.

Dripping Springs Natural Recreation Area was the former location of Cox Ranch where infamous outlaws often stayed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and today is a picturesque destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a good hike. Named for its spring fed weeping walls, Dripping Springs has several miles of easy hiking trails, perfect for a casual afternoon.

Also located along the western edge of the Organ Mountains, the Sierra Vista trail offers hikers over 25 miles of non-motorized terrain to explore on foot, sharing access only with horseback riders and mountain bikes. Visitors planning a hike within the Organ Mountains should check with the local BLM office in Las Cruces or with one of the local outdoor outfitting shops for more information on specific hikes, trail lengths and difficulty.

Hiking guides and outfitters offering guided hiking trips in and near Las Cruces are listed below. Click on any name for more information. For information on hiking trails in the Las Cruces area select Hiking Trails.