Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, New Mexico

The stark and craggy needles of Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument set the backdrop for the city of Las Cruces, New Mexico.

They stand almost 9,000 tall, a great contrast to the Chihuahuan Desert floor also protected in the preserve.

Not only is the area incredibly beautiful, but it holds an intriguing varied history. Hundreds of archeological sites lie within the park boundaries, ruins, petroglygphs, and caves.

Famous names like Billy the Kid and Geronimo had stints on this land. Twenty-two miles of the Butterfield Stagecoach trail are protected in the preserve. During WWII bombers practiced targeting here and in the 1960s astronauts trained for their mission to the moon here.

History lovers, rock climbers, campers, and of course hikers are drawn to this diverse area which could take years to explore.

If you only have a few hours, the Pine Tree Loop is a perfect introductory hike to the landscape with some of the most engrossing scenery.

This is a four-mile loop starting at the Aguirre Springs Campground gaining just over 1,000 feet of elevation is well marked and interesting through its entire circuit.

The hike does not climb too sharply or with switchbacks, allowing you to enjoy the incredibly scenic section of the park.

At midday wildlife was mostly out of sight, save for a beetle lumbering across the trail and a few flitting song birds.

Some portions of the hike look like a desert while other are straight out of a forest, either way the flora is exceptional.

Upon reaching the halfway point, the path is marked with a plaque reading its elevation: 6,880 feet.

From the higher up perspective, the smooth Sugarloaf Peak comes in to view behind the needles.

Farther in the distance, the Tularosa Basin and White Sands Missile Range are revealed as well.

Good to know:

+$5 entrance fee or free with the America the Beautiful national parks pass

+Narrow road leading to the parking lot may be difficult for those with RVs

Nearby:

+White Sands National monument

+Pistachioland