Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument — Attraction in Four Corners States

I stopped here for a day hike to break up a road trip. I didn't know much about the place other than a brief look on the Bureau of Land Management webpage. I was surprised by how beautiful this place is and I would love to return for camping and more hiking at some point. The camping and picnic areas were clean and in good maintenance. I went to the Aguirre springs area. There is a kiosk with envelopes and drop-box to pay admission. It was $5 for day use and $7 for overnight camping. It is cash-only so bring correct bills for the envelope. I think you can also indicate your Annual Park Pass on the envelope and use that. On this day I chose the hike to Baylor Pass, which is a moderate climb to a saddle between two mountains from which the trail descends to the other trail head. I just went up to the pass and back. The pass is at a little over 6000 feet, so if you are from lower elevations like me, you might get a little more winded than usual on the trail. The trail is easy to follow and winds around up the side of the mountains. It is a gradual, but steady climb to the pass and there is very little shade. The path is also a bit rocky so wear good shoes or boots. I encountered many other hikers on a Tuesday afternoon, so you probably won't be alone on the trail. I also saw a lot of song birds and some lizards along the trail. Overall this is a great hiking area and I will plan to...

What a treat! We happened to be in Las Cruces, and decided to go for a hike. Within five minutes from the parking lot, the walks offer interesting rock formations, intimate canyons with little oases, waterfalls (beautiful even when there's only a trickle of water). If you hike up towards any of the peaks (it was late in the day, so I only went up part of the hike towards Organ Peak), you will be treated to amazing and seemingly endless views on the surrounding plains. Large parts of the hike were in poorly maintained trails. So be ready for scratches (lots of cacti). The track also was very steep in parts. But it was worth it. The views keep changing, with varying features that opening up to the hiker. I was all by myself for the entire hike, making this hike feel much more remote than one would think so close to a hub! The smells and views ... I came back happy...

I have to give this beautiful place one star because it's closed on holidays like THANKSGIVING! When would Americans like to visit their national monuments and parks? Maybe on a national holiday when they are off work... If you think that although our tax dollars are funding the place, but we shouldn't use it on holidays so that the federal employee national parks people can have the day off, well I'm sorry, but that's the job they signed up for, helping everyone enjoy their parks and monuments. This place should not be closed on holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Day, etc. Close the visitors center, but leave the gate to the parking lot and trailhead that is 1.5 miles down the road...