(nr Organ NM)
Visited Aguirre Springs National Recreation Area CG against the Organ Mountains, overlooking the Tularosa Basin. A fantastic location with great views that came highly recommended by a friend.
Pine Tree Trail at Aguirre Springs
Big rigs are not recommended there. Check with the volunteer at the gate, before entering, as they can tell you if your rig will fit. There is a severe dip exiting on the one-way loop, and a long RV is likely to get hung up.
Part way up the trail
Pinnacles of the Organ Mountains
I chose to hike the Pine Tree Trail, a 4 1/2 mile loop up to the base of the pinnacles, with a 1,500 ft gain in elevation. It took me four hours stopping for photos and to rest. I had a snack at the halfway mark and high point at about 7,000 ft. It was a beautiful and enjoyable hike.
Another hike is the Baylor Pass Trail, at about the same length; but, it goes out then back on the same path. That trail goes over the crest, at a lower elevation, and part way down the other side of the mountain.
Boulders along the trail
Tardis at Aguirre Springs CG
Dry camped two days for $7 (half price) at a nice site facing the mountains. Only three others in the campground, so it was very quiet. Had a strong 4G LTE Verizon internet signal too. Weather was perfect for a really enjoyable stay.
Camp: Aguirre Springs NRA – BLM
Scene: Mountains, rocks, trails
Also see: Pine Tree Trail
We’ve hiked at Aguirre Springs a few times while staying at Leasburg Dam SP. Wished we could camp there but our 30’LD would definitely scrape on that big dip.
The first time we went there was a bad windstorm the day before. One of the camp hosts fifth wheels at Aguirre Springs had been blown over, and a semi went over crossing the pass. We learned to take those NM high wind warnings seriously!
It’s a sweet spot for sure. And yes, wind warnings in the west are to be heeded.