Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
983.00 ft (299.62 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
3.90 mi (6.28 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The 3.9-mile loop trail is a moderately difficult trail on the east side of the Organ Mountains. The trail is about a 45-minute drive from the city of Las Cruces. The trailhead is also home to a campground and several picnic areas; it is easy to find, and hikers can complete the loop in either direction.  Traveling clockwise, the trail starts out immediately ascending through long winding switchbacks. While not extremely difficult, the trail does meander its way up to the halfway point. There is a primitive campground at the halfway point which is also the highest point of the trail. The mile around the halfway point is the most shaded on the trail, and is a great place to take a break. 

After the halfway point the trail descends all the way to the trailhead. While the trail doesn't summit the peaks, the trail does follow the ridge at a lower elevation. The trail provides constantly changing views of the mountains as it follows the ridge, and hikers should pause every once in a while to enjoy the beautiful views.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

General Day Use Fee

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Big vista. Lightly trafficked.

Cons

None.

Trailhead Elevation

5,697.00 ft (1,736.45 m)

Highest point

6,680.00 ft (2,036.06 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Wildlife
Big vistas
Geologically significant
Family friendly

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Organ Mountains Wilderness Area, New Mexico
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument
Organ Mountains Wilderness Area, New Mexico

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