Organ Mountains Complex The Organ Mountains tower nearly 5000 feet above the Mesilla Valley and Tularosa Basin. Overlooking Las Cruces to the west and White Sands National Monument to the east, the Organs are visible from 100+ miles in every direction during clear days. Their geology contributes to this spectacular scenery and to a wide array of recreational opportunities that help make “the Organs” one of New Mexico’s most recognized and important landmarks. Organ Mountains by Mike GrovesThe Needles, standing at 8,990 feet, are the range’s most prominent feature. These granite peaks were created, according to geologist W.R. Seager, by pyroclastic flows and lava almost 34 million years ago. Now, the smooth granite and spectacular views draw climbers from all over the world. A non-technical route rated as New Mexico’s most difficult day hike also allows non-climbers to savor the same experiences. As Seager puts it, “Their stark, sawtooth profile, their challenging slopes and changing moods have made the Needles a favorite of artists, photographers, and mountain climbers, as well as a daily pleasure to the people who live within their view.” South of the needles rise successive folds of igneous rock partially created through continued faulting in the area. Soledad Canyon slices through this section of the mountains providing the easiest east-west transit south of Baylor Pass. Even though only partially open, the Soledad Canyon trail and day use area receive a steady stream of visitors ranging from local horsemen to young families to many local senior citizen groups. Limestone constitutes the lower and more rounded peaks south into the Peña Blanca and Bishop’s Cap area. Area where caves still show evidence of ancient peoples and dispersed desert recreation is at its finest. On the Organ Mountain’s eastern side sits Doña Ana County’s only high country campground, located at Aguirre Springs. Massive Sugarloaf Peak’s granite exterior and rugged Indian Basin loom in stark relief to White Sands National Monument.
Posted on: Thu, 23 Oct 2014 17:38:34 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015