Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument
The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument is a United States National Monument in the state of New Mexico, managed by the Bureau of Land Management as part of the National Landscape Conservation System that was established on May 21, 2014. It consists of nearly 500,000 acres of prime recreational opportunities.
- Hiking
- Biking
- Climbing
- Camping
- Horseback Riding
- Picnicking
- Off-Road Vehicles
- Wildlife Viewing
- Environmental Education
- Interpretive Programs
In addition, there are other points of interest such as Archeological Sites, Billy the Kid’s Outlaw Rock, Geronimo’s Cave, Kilbourne Hole National Historic Landmark, over 20 miles of the Butterfield Stage Trail, Apollo Mission Astronaut Training Sites and Historic World War II Aerial Targets.
The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument was established to protect significant prehistoric, historic, geologic, and biologic resources of scientific interest, and includes four areas: the Organ Mountains, Desert Peaks, Potrillo Mountains, and Doña Ana Mountains.
The Organ Mountains are a steep, angular mountain range with rocky spires that jut majestically above the Chihuahuan Desert floor to an elevation of 9,000 feet. This picturesque area of rocky peaks, narrow canyons, and open woodlands ranges from Chihuahuan Desert habitat to ponderosa pine in the highest elevations. Located adjacent to and on the east side of Las Cruces, this area provides opportunities for photography, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
The Desert Peaks include the Robledo Mountains, Sierra de las Uvas, and Doña Ana Mountains, characterized by desert mountains rising steeply from flat plains. The Potrillo Mountains are the most remote section of the Monument located a distance to the southwest from Las Cruces and is comprised of a volcanic landscape of cinder cones, lava flows, and craters.
The Doña Ana Mountains have extensive pedestrian trails, equestrian trails, mountain bike trails, rock climbing routes, and some limited routes available for motorized use.
Other Websites
BLM.gov
Additional Info
Visitor Center The Dripping Springs Visitor Center offers interpretive displays of the Organ Mountains. It is located 10 miles east of Interstate 25, Exit 1, on the western edge of the Organ Mountains in the Dripping Springs Natural Area. It is open all year, except winter holidays, from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 p.m