Route Editor
Route Scout
Oh, So Nice! by imike This BLM section of the Organ Mountains is the kick off point for a variety of easy to extreme hiking adventures. The selection of official trails include The Arroyo Trail, The Crawford Trail, Dripping Springs Trail, Fillmore Canyon Trail, and La Cueva Trail. There is a manned Visitors Center and a Day Use Picnic Area. Access is controlled by a locked gate with seasonal hours. October through March the official times are 8am till 5pm. Summer hours stretch the entry to 7pm. You need to depart the area before dark when they relock the exit gate. (Not uncommon for the entry gate to be opened around 7:30am) This is a fee area... Our National Pass seems to only get us a fifty percent discount? In addition to the very short official trails, this is the where the more adventurous hikes begin, including Ice Canyon and Fillmore Canyon. Fillmore Canyon: including the trailed hike up through the Narrows, then the off trail trek on to the Pass over to Indian Hollow.. Down to Aguirre Springs; the off trail route up to the Observatory and Organ Peak. Needle Peak, the highest point in the Organ Mountains may also be approached from this area. There are many other off trail destinations, some named, some not. This is an exciting and dramatic area, full of towering rock spires, shear cliffs and narrow defiles. Down on the official trails it is fun for the entire family. Off trail and up are challenges enough to satisfy the most seasoned hiker. Come prepared. Even in cooler months the heat and exposure takes it's toll. The overgrown drainages are demanding. The off trail gorges are filled with loose and slippery rock. Lots of water is in order, as is protective clothing. While getting lost is not an issue, finding a clear route can be... watch the clock and head out with plenty of time to get back before it gets dark. Off trail after sunset here would not be fun. Consider the issues and take precautions... and enjoy. This area is worth the drive! Check out the Triplogs. Gate Policy: If a gate is closed upon arrival, leave it closed after you go through. If it is open, leave it open. Leaving a closed gate open may put cattle in danger. Closing an open gate may cut them off from water. Please be respectful, leave gates as found. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
One-Way Notice This hike is listed as One-Way. When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Most recent Triplog Reviews
Dripping Springs Natural Area
rode the $2 bus over to check out the potentials... that's one cheap 90 mile ride! Once over in Cruces, can hop on the bike and ride out for the hiking. Today I met up with Yubao for a ride up to hike Yellow Rocks and a variety of other trails in the area... once they close down the Lincoln National Forest (three weeks away?) this may become my twice weekly hike pattern! This is one nice looking area!!
Met up with Terri and her 11 hikers... they were enjoying their Friday outing.
Nice day.
Met up with Terri and her 11 hikers... they were enjoying their Friday outing.
Nice day.
2013-04-19 imike
Dripping Springs Natural Area
Organ Peak Observatory
Very interesting, off trail ramble up towards Organ Peak... I held up a few hundred feet below the top, enjoying the view from the old observatory and snapping pics of the two hikers that peaked out. Now that I know the "correct" route to the top, I'll head back over and top out the hike... and a few others in the area. Meetup group today... nice folks.
Note: part of the reason for a lack of any trail or even established route in the upper reaches: it is on the Fort Bliss/ White Sands Military area. We found part of an old target drone up there!
Note: part of the reason for a lack of any trail or even established route in the upper reaches: it is on the Fort Bliss/ White Sands Military area. We found part of an old target drone up there!
2012-10-14 imike
