The high wall, needle-like spires of the Organ Mountains curve dramatically around a semicircle of Chihuahuan Desert habitat at the Aguirre Spring Campground. The campground, nestled at the base of spectacular cliffs, overlooks the Tularosa Basin and White Sands National Monument. Alligator juniper, gray oak, mountain mahogany and sotol are a few of the abundant plant species here. Seasonal springs and streams occur in the canyon bottoms, with a few perennial springs that support riparian habitats.
Activities
Hiking, camping, horseback riding, picnicking, watchable wildlife. Leashed pets are allowed on trails.
The picnic/camp sites have shelters or shade trees; handicapped-accessible restrooms also are available.
- Hiking
Two national recreation trails start at the campground. The Baylor Pass Trail has its eastern end at the campground. This is a one-way trail of six miles, which will take you to the Baylor Canyon Road on the west side of the mountains. The Pine Tree Trail is a four-mile loop that climbs to the base of the Organ Needles, in Ponderosa Pine habitat. Both trails provide spectacular views of the Organ Mountains and the Tularosa Basin. The Baylor Pass Trail is open to hiking and equestrian use. The Pine Tree Trail is open to hiking only.
- Camping
The Aguirre Spring Campground is the only high-country campground in the Las Cruces/El Paso/Juarez region. It is hugely popular as a picnic site on weekends and holidays. The campground includes 57 family sites and two group sites, there are 55 small picnic sites and two large family group areas.
Location / Access
The Aguirre Spring Campground is located on the east side of Organ Mountains, east of Las Cruces in Dona Ana County. Take U.S. 70 for 14 miles east of the I-25/U.S. 70 interchange in Las Cruces, then turn south on the Aguirre Spring Road (1.1 miles after San Augustine Pass) for six miles. At mile 4 the road becomes a one-way loop and climbs steeply.
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