In commemoration of the 2nd-year anniversary of the proclamation of the Organ Mountains National Monument in Las Cruces, New Mexico, here I present some of the photos I took while hiking at its base.
The Organ Mountains National Monument is one of the newest monuments in the U.S., established by Pres. Barack Obama on May 21, 2014.
Overlooking the city of Las Cruces, the mountain’s elevation is about 5000 feet above the Mesilla Valley and Tularosa Basin.
These granite peaks were created, according to geologist W.R. Seager, by pyroclastic flows and lava almost 34 million years ago.
Rare and endemic plants as well as historic ruins are located in the canyon.
Scenic vistas, whether its daytime or nighttime.
Things and activities you can do at the Organ Mountains.
– Hiking
– See historical sites
– Mountain biking
– Horse riding
– Rock climbing
– Enjoy picnics
Address and GPS coordinates.
Address: Las Cruces, New Mexico
GPS coordinates: 32°19′34″N 106°33′18″W
Closest airport.
Since there is no airport in Las Cruces, the nearest airport is the El Paso International Airport. It is about 45-minute drive to Las Cruces.
Other nearby attractions.
Along US Highway 70 between Las Cruces and Alamogordo, is the White Sands Missile Range. Here you will learn about America’s missile and space activity or how the atomic age began.
If you drive 30 minutes further towards the east, you’ll find the New Mexico Museum of Space History.
See: List of other places to visit in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
See also: My other travel adventures in the USA.
See also: List of National Monuments.
