Organ Mountains Wilderness Area

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

Home
Bureau of Land Management
New Mexico
Organ Mountains Wilderness Area

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a government agency responsible for protecting our country's most unique and beautiful federal lands. Because so many of the BLM sites feature peaceful campgrounds and various recreational opportunities, BLM camping is a pastime enjoyed by numerous outdoor enthusiasts every year. One fantastic destination for "BLM camping near me" is the Organ Mountains Wilderness Area, which lies in southern New Mexico, a few miles east of Las Cruces.

The Organ Mountains are named for the needle-like spires that resemble an organ's pipes, and they range in elevation from 4,600 to around 9,000 feet. Activities like primitive camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing are all popular with those who visit the area. Many visitors also travel a few miles north of the site to visit either the San Andres National Wildlife Refuge or White Sands National Park.

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.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

If you decide to partake in RV camping around the Organ Mountains Wilderness Area, you'll be required to do so outside of the actual wilderness. However, as long as you stay outside of the wilderness boundaries, you'll be permitted to set up a primitive RV campsite wherever you prefer. Although the site doesn't contain any Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, the nearby Las Cruces area offers several campgrounds with RV sites, hookups, and amenities. One convenient option is the Hacienda RV Resort, which features 113 RV sites, a community clubhouse, and a variety of other amenities.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is permitted around the Organ Mountains Wilderness Area. There should be numerous spots to choose from among the mountainous landscape, and just about any area you choose should offer solitude and a peaceful dispersed camping experience.

RV Rentals Near Organ Mountains Wilderness Area Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Organ Mountains Wilderness Area BLM trip

If you're planning a trip to the Organ Mountains Wilderness Area between May and September, make sure that you're coming prepared for extremely hot temperatures. Since there's no drinking water available at the BLM site, you should bring more than you anticipate needing for your trip—about one gallon per adult per day. You must also be sure to keep your motorized vehicle and equipment outside of the wilderness area per federal regulations. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

It's imperative that all who visit the Organ Mountains Wilderness Area and other BLM sites follow the Leave No Trace principles. To help preserve the natural qualities of the land, pack out all of your trash when you leave. The mountainous desert environment is home to many creatures; do not confront them or get too close to them, as you're a guest in their habitat. Don't remove anything from the land or do anything that may affect the natural ecosystem. By cleaning up after yourself and respecting the site, you'll be making a positive difference in the condition of the area.

Organ Mountains Wilderness Area Location

To reach the Organ Mountains Wilderness Area from Las Cruces, follow US Highway 70 east until you reach Baylor Canyon Road and then turn south. Follow Baylor Canyon Road for roughly two miles, and you will reach a trailhead parking area for the Baylor Pass Trail on the road's east side. From there, you'll need to hike east to enter the BLM site. After about 3.25 miles of hiking, you'll come to Baylor Pass. If you continue east on the trail for approximately two more miles, you'll reach the Aguirre Spring loop road and the end of the trail.

Ready to visit Organ Mountains Wilderness Area? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.