What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Baylor Pass National Recreation Trail
The Baylor Pass National Recreation Trail is one of the most popular destinations for those who visit the Organ Mountains Wilderness Area. The very long out-and-back trail is well-maintained, surrounded by beautiful landscapes, and pretty easy to traverse. Despite the significant amount of elevation, there aren't really any steep areas along the route. As you hike the trail, you'll get to look upon the majestic Organ Mountains and many interesting geological formations. If you bring your dogs with you, make sure they stay leashed at all times.
Length: 11.3 miles
Intensity: Easy to moderate
Pine Tree Trail
Another scenic trail near the Organ Mountains Wilderness Area is the Pine Tree Trail. The popular loop is a quality spot for hiking, trail running, and bird-watching. The trail's incline is gradual and not terribly difficult, and the impressive views of the desert landscape will be more than worth the effort of traversing the hike. This rocky loop trail is open all year, and you can even let your pups off their leashes in some sections of the route.
Length: 4.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Fishing and Boating
If you head into the nearby town of Las Cruces, there are a couple of peaceful ponds where you can cast your fishing line. In both Alumni Pond and Young Pond, certain species of fish are regularly stocked depending on the time of year. During the colder months, the ponds are stocked with rainbow trout. When it gets warmer, they're stocked with channel catfish. If you want to get out on the water, the most fun option may be to hop in a kayak, canoe, or paddle boat and go out onto the powerful Rio Grande River. In some areas, you can do some fly-fishing for trout in the majestic river as well.
Climbing
Many climbing enthusiasts view the Organ Mountains Wilderness Area as a paradise. The southeastern area of the range features several good opportunities for bouldering, and the northern mountains offer a variety of routes for cragging and clean granite climbs. A few of the many popular climbing areas are the Sugarloaf Area, the Rabbit Ears Area, the High Horns, and the Low Horns. Whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or expert, you should be able to find somewhere exciting to climb that's suitable for your skill level.
Wildlife Viewing
The Organ Mountains Wilderness Area, a desert ecosystem, is home to a wide variety of interesting plants and animal species. If you find yourself camping or hiking in or near the BLM site, you'll want to be on the lookout for the unique species that roam the area. If you're lucky, you might see a desert mule deer, mountain lion, or some of the unique Colorado chipmunks. Alternatively, if you're hoping to see even more fascinating creatures, you can travel the short distance to the San Andres National Wildlife Refuge, which is inhabited by numerous desert-dwelling species.
Picnicking
To have a picnic within the Organ Mountains Wilderness Area BLM site, you may need to choose your own spot and put down a picnic blanket. Most likely, you won't find any tables or shelters around the site. If you want, though, you can make the journey into Las Cruces and have your picnic at one of the local parks. Many choose to have a pleasant lunch beside Alumni or Young Pond, either before or after an afternoon of fishing.
