The range is a southerly extension of the larger San Andres Mountains. The Organ Mountains are a few miles east of Las Cruces. The area is rich in culture, history and natural resources. Stagecoach and wagon tracks are visible, stretching across the grasslands to the horizon, a testament to the settlers, soldiers and speculators that streamed west after the Mexican American War. Petroglyphs from three separate Native American cultures have weathered the eons, etched, pecked and painted on remote cliffs and massive boulders. Ancient archaeological sites reflect at least 10,000 years of human occupation. Remnants of New Mexico’s past are strewn across the remote back country. Today, the majestic pinnacles dominate the eastern horizon of Las Cruces, New Mexico. It was the Spanish that named the jagged spires Sierra de Los Organos based on their resemblance to pipe organs. The Apache were followed by a steady stream of Spanish conquistadors, priests, and settlers flowing north from the Spanish territorial capital in Mexico City. They migrated out of the area in the late 13th century and the Apache moved in, ranging from the mountains to the plains. The Jornada Culture thrived in this region. Later, Paleo-Indians hunted the area, taking shelter in mountain caves. Long before the Spanish arrived via the ancient trading path that would become the Camino Real, the Organ, Robledo, Uvas, and Potrillo Mountains were inhabited by prehistoric creatures and long extinct mammals. The elevation plummets 4,000 feet three miles west of the Needle, making the Organ Mountains one of the steepest mountain ranges in the western United States. The Organ Needle is the high point in the complex, peaking at slightly under 9,000 feet.

On a clear day the iconic spires are visible from 100+ miles in every direction. The mountain range is comprised of steep-sided crevices, canyons, grasslands, open woodlands, several perennial springs, towering spires, and lava flows. The rugged terrain ranges from Chihuahuan Desert habitat to ponderosa pine at higher elevations. The mountains in this region are volcanic, sculpted by the same intense geologic forces that formed the Rio Grande Rift. It is a good idea to load up on everything you might need: water, sunscreen, hat, snakebite kit, first aid kit, etc. If anything goes awry, there may not be people around and your cell phone probably won’t have a signal. Many areas of the monument are isolated, with few visitors, which is a good reason not to head into the wilderness unprepared. The monument, totaling 500,000 acres, includes the Organ Mountains, the Doña Ana Mountains, the Sierra de las Uvas Mountains, and the Greater Potrillo Mountains. Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National MonumentĬongress established the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument to protect prehistoric, historic, geologic, and biologic resources.

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