West Baylor Canyon Trail

The Baylor Pass National Recreation Trail is a six-mile-long trail located in the Organ Mountains Wilderness Area near Las Cruces, New Mexico. The Organ Mountains are as high as 9,000 feet in elevation; the name comes from the steep, needle-like spires that resemble the pipes of an organ. This hike gains over 600 feet in elevation, but in a fairly gradual way. The parking area for this hike is located about two miles south of U.S. Highway 70 off Baylor Canyon Road. There are no fees for parking and the trail is accessible year-round. Dogs are allowed on the trail when on a leash.

The trailhead for this hike is easily found next to the parking area. The trail starts with a gradual climb across the desert towards the picturesque Organ Mountains. There are places where it may be a little confusing to determine if you are on the main trail; look for white arrows on the rocks.  Be sure to admire the desert vegetation as you hike the trail. At about the one-mile park there are some fence posts. The climb gets a bit steeper from here on. About a half mile past the fence posts, you will reach a rocky area that provides nice views of the valley and the surrounding mountains. This spot is located at the second switchback turn of the trail. This adventure turns back for the trailhead at 1.5 miles, but you can continue further down the trail.

Keep safety in mind when hiking this trail. Temperatures during the summer can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. During high temperatures hiking is not recommended. Bring plenty of water with you; there is not any drinking water available at the trailhead.  Protect your skin from the sun with appropriate clothes and sunscreen, and protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses.