Aguirre Springs

(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.

aguirretree

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.

Path, trees, spire

Part way up the trail

Rocky peaks and pine trees

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.

Rocks, trees, and rugged mountain

Boulders along the trail

aguirretardis

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

2 Responses to Aguirre Springs

  1. Jim and Gayle April 17, 2014 at 2:08 pm #

    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!

    • Pleinguy April 21, 2014 at 9:28 pm #

      It’s a sweet spot for sure. And yes, wind warnings in the west are to be heeded.

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