Welcome to the OMDP Visitor Information page!
The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument was established on May 21st, 2014, by Presidential Proclamation and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The Monument includes 496,330 acres, and was established to protect significant prehistoric, historic, geologic, and biologic resources. The National Monument includes four distinct areas: The Organ Mountains, Desert Peaks, Potrillo Mountains, and Doña Ana Mountains.
Each of the four areas within the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument offers unique recreational opportunities. There are campgrounds and trails, hiking areas, opportunities for top notch rock climbing, and places for incredible wildlife viewing. Below, you will see the trails included within each area of the monument. Click on the link highlighted and you will be taken to the BLM site or other complimentary sites.
Hiking Trails
Organ Mountains Trails
- Baylor Pass Trail is six miles long and connects between the developed Aguirre Springs Campground on the east side of the Organ Mountains and the Baylor Canyone Road on the west side of the mountains. This trail is open to hiking and equestrian use. Dogs allowed. No Fee
- Pine Tree Trail is a four-mile loop from the Aguirre Springs Campground and climbs to the base of the Organ Needles. This trail is open to hiking only. Dogs allowed. Fee required.
- Dripping Springs Trail begins at the Dripping Springs Visitor Center and provides access to the historic buildings at Dripping Springs. Fee required
- Bar Canyon Trail is a three-mile loop, which offers an easy and scenic hike very close to Las Cruces. The Bar Canyon Trail includes scenic vistas of the central Organ Mountains and the southern Mesilla Valley. It is located at the Soledad Canyon Day Use Area. Dogs allowed. No fee
Desert Peaks Trails
- Numerous trails are accessible from the parking lot of the Picacho Peak Recreation Area, and encompass over 15 miles of moderate to challenging trails for hiking, horseback riding, or mountain biking
Horseback Riding
- Trails available to horseback riding include the Sierra Vista Trail, Baylor Pass Trail, Bar Canyon Trail, and the Picacho Peak Trails. The vast and open areas of the Desert Peaks and Potrillo Mountains are good places for cross-country horseback riding.
Mountain Biking
- Trails suitable for mountain biking include the Sierra Vista Trail, the Canyon Loop Trail, and the SST Trail. Unless otherwise signed, all dirt roads in the National Monument are available for mountain biking. Bicycles are limited to roads and trails.
Climbing
- Numerous climbing routes are present on the many rock pinnacles of the Organ Mountains. These routes are privately described in guide books, online, and other publications. Because the Organ Mountains are a Wilderness Study Area, the placement of fixed anchors is prohibited.
Need to contact the Bureau of Land Management? Call them at 575-525-4300