Pine Tree Trail

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.