Organ Mountains Wilderness Area
The Organ Mountains Wilderness Area is located in south-central New Mexico on the eastern edge of Las Cruces. The Organ Mountains range from 4,600 to just over 9,000 feet, and are so named because of the steep, needle-like spires that resemble the pipes of an organ. Alligator juniper, gray oak, mountain mahogany and sotol are the dominant plant species here, but in the upper elevations stands of ponderosa pine may be found. Seasonal springs and streams occur in canyon bottoms, with a few perennial springs that support riparian habitats. Wildlife includes desert mule deer, mountain lion, a variety of song birds, and a race of the Colorado chipmunk. The WSA includes the Baylor Pass National Recreation Trail.
Per the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act which became law on March 12, 2019, this web page is currently being updated. To find more information on the new wilderness areas in New Mexico created by the Act, please visit: Wilderness Connect
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Activities
HIKING
Directions
From US Highway 70, approximately one mile west of Organ, drive approximately two miles south on Baylor Canyon Road to a trailhead parking area for the Baylor Pass Trail on the east side of the road. Hike east into the WSA; at 3¼ miles, you will reach Baylor Pass. Continue east on the trail downhill about two more miles and you will reach the Aguirre Spring loop road where the trail ends.