aguirre spring national recreation area

This was possibly one of the very best Valentine's Day celebrations in my memory. My better half and I were able to pack the rear of our basic Ranger and leave El PasoTX-USA to go West on I-10 to Las CrucesNM-USA, have lunch at a KFC, then motor East on US70, over San Agustin Pass, then the first right 5miles/8kms to Aguirre Spring. Overnight camping is $7(us); we chose site #28 because of its proximity to the exceptionally nice (relatively new) pit toilet (female & male separated; both have good TP and even better handholds for us older users!). Once our tent was up, we hiked a short distance on the Pine Tree Trail--we both have strong memories of over two decades of family & Boy Scout Troop 192 hiking/camping here, and even though we were prepared with staffs, neither of us particularly wanted to go far on that 4-mile/6kms loop path. Besides, we wanted to finish cooking our burgers & beans before the Sun disappeared over the horizon--something that comes a bit earlier as Aguirre Springs is on the leeward/East side of the Organ Mountains. We were prepared for cold, not only were we at altitude, but this early in the year it cools off mightily at Sunset. Using my Scoutmaster's Match (thank you Walt), the fire was a success though the "match" suffered 4th degree burns! Anyway, we sacked out in darkness, reading books/maps by backlit kindle/Harbor Freight LED. I wasn't sure how my camping/sleeping would go since developing significant knee problems, but the real problem were campers at sites 21-22, who had a loud boombox and even louder (drunken?) campers. Fortunately, things quieted down substantially about (23:00), after I had walked up the road, turned my HF light onto the site marker and the license tags of their motor vehicles. Possibly they were intimidated? Regardless, I still slept little as my knees didn't much like any position. The next morning, 15FEB2015, came plenty early and I considered reviving the now-dormant fire to heat up clean, freshwater for coffee & hot chocolate. But I reconsidered because the fresh water supply (water bottles) was less than 3 gallons/11 liters, and why put that onto an already out-dead fire? My piezo electric starter camp stove was the perfect answer, and water used to extinguish a temporary blaze was now for hiking! Robert of marvelous McRae Car Care (3001 McRae Blvd, El PasoTX, 915.595.3220) had told me about Baylor Pass trail, which he thought better than the other. Good enough for me! We had missed the trailhead, which is actually a short ways back from the camping area, so we had to motor the one-way loop road around and park in a wide spot behind a 2-reefer motorhome (how it got around the numerous hairpin turns, I'll never know) with a horse corral ion our Eastside and the sign-in log/trailhead on our Westside. True to Robert's words, it was a most pleasant, less arduous hike although my Avocet cycling sandals (repaired multiple times by Javier, Texas Boot & Shoe, 10781 Pebble Hills, El PasoTX, 915.591.8332) had been transformed into effective hikers with stout Vibram lugged soles. I knew I likely wasn't going to be able to hike long, what, with the lack of sleep and a slim brekkie of quick oatmeal. I was relieved to rest my body upon a handy bench seat, but we soon pushed on, and on, and on. Eventually,. we rested upon another very handy bench seat, perhaps a mile/km short of the pass, but I was fatiguing pretty fast. After a selfie, we retraced our steps back to the trailhead/motor vehicle, reversing our course back to El Paso after a great luncheon at Mountain View Market cafe in Las Cruces. Despite exhaustion, this was a SUPERB way for us to celebrate Valentine's Day. The weather was cool, some wind, but overall a delightful getaway on less than a half-tank of fuel. Too bad there was no meteor shower as the peripheral lights are minimal here, but that'll be another campout!

We took the Pine Trail hike. We started the hike at 1PM and finished at 5PM. It was a 4 mile hike and pretty difficult at times. We were not used to the higher elevation and got very winded at times. According to the information provided at the trail head, it was supposed to be a 2 1/2 hour hike. At times ithe trail was ice and snow covered which made for very slow going and Alittle dangerous. We thought the trail could have been marked better, there were a few spots that were confusing! Probably not a good trail choice for January with the snow at the higher elevation. All in all we enjoyed the scenery and fresh air. Take water and wear good shoes/ boots!

We stayed a night here last week--early November and had a great time. The campground host Jack was super helpful and directed us to campsite #36--the perfect campsite. Gorgeous views looking down at the White Sands Missile Range valley and up at the Organ Mountains. No need to even bring water because you can fill up with well water at the campground host's site. Really nice 4 mile hike is the Pine Tree Trail, a loop taking you up in the foothills for spectacular views. We'll definitely be back again.

What a great place to get away in just 20 minutes from Las Cruces. You can either drive threw, picnic or camp over night. Great scenery and wildlife. On the east side Organ mountains at the base if their peaks. Bring water.

Beautiful campground. You must take in your own water, but it is so worth it to get far off the main road and into the foothills of the Organ Mountains. Each space has a concrete pad and covered picnic table/area, smooth ground for tents, and a fire pit. Clean waterless restrooms are conveniently located in the different camping areas. Amazing views and two great hiking trails.

I love this park. I almost never went there when I lived in Las Cruces, NM. Now that I've moved away, I always make time to visit here when I come home. It reminds me so much of all that I love about NM and the mountains.The "Pine Tree Trail" is the one you want. It's five miles of moderate hiking. If you plan it right you can even see small springs higher up. This is a real treat for these desert mountains. It's really hard to believe that an alpine ecosystem can exist here surrounded by arid desert, but it does. The views from the top of the trail are breathtaking. You really should try this. It's only $5 per car for day use. Not a bad price for the experience.

The Pine Tree Trail at Aguirre Spring is a 4.5 mile loop with a elevation gain of 1180 feet that took us about 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete. We stopped many times to take photos and enjoy the scenery. It had rained about 4 inches the week before so the wild flowers were spectacular. My hiking partner has been hiking there for 23 years and he said it's the nicest he's ever seen. The trail crosses a creek quite a few times. Because of the rain there was a decent water flow. Lots of Morning Glories and Daisies lined the trail sometimes almost chest high. There was lots of bugs (thought they didn't bother us), lizards, and even a tarantula. It was an enjoyable sunny Fall day with the temperature at 75 when we started at 10 A.M. and 77 when we finished.The trail is not difficult if you are use to hiking. Kids should have no problem. Tennis shoes would work in a pinch but I prefer hiking boots since the trail is rocky in many parts. It's $5 for a day pass and more for camping. We got in free with a Senior Pass from the National Park Service since my hiking buddy is over 62.

Between Las Cruces and Alamgordo, one would almost not expect to find anything but more desert. Aguirre Springs is a great place to camp for the night, although bringing water and a sand-proof tent is recommended. The views in the morning are totally worth the sand blown into your sleeping bag though! I also recommend the hike which starts in the campground (or part of it at least) in the morning -- gorgeous views of the valley below!PS can't remember whether there is water there, so bring some just in case!

We took the trip to the Las Cruces area to complete the 2013 Bataan Memorial Death March at the White Sands Missile Range This park is just outside of WSMR. It offers a superb view of the Organ Mountains and WSMR. There are multiple covered picnic areas and bathroom facilities. For a small fee you are allowed to camp, we didn't this year but likely will if we make it back this way. Watch your footing however, there are various types of venomous snakes around. My fiance studies reptiles so that was part of the reason we chose to check this place out. The snake in the attached photo is a very rare type of rattlesnake (and is venomous) but we had to go actively searching for it---this type generally isn't aggressive and stays away from humans

There are a number of hiking trails in this area, some fairly rigorous. The spectacular views of the Organ Mountains are a nice distraction as you ascend the trails. Off to the east there are glimpses of White Sands National Monument. This area is on the north side of the Organs so it gets shadier and cooler faster.

There is a few very picturesque trails. Given New Mexican wather this is a great location because of the elevation. So it is not as hot as the surrounding area is. Thus, if you are going during colder weather, do not forget to prepare warm clothes. The park also offers very nice picnic facilities.

This is just a first class place if you Natural History and new Mexico. Hiking, picnicking, it's all here.

Always an excellent location to start a hike. Best traveled in groups with an early start. Bring some lunch and find a nice spot to enjoy the views and serenity that comes with the Organ mountains.

Great for family or alone. With my four boys, it has taken me about 3 hours to go around it and by myself it has taken me hour an half. If you start towards the north side it will have more shade and rocky than the south side, so plan if starting morning or afternoon climb. It is not to busy and I recommended any time but the summer time gets pretty hot. About 1qt of water will do per person. We do the trail once a year and has become a family tradition. At the campside they have bathrooms.

probably one of the most beautiful places in the southwest but very crowded on holidays and in the summer. People camp there in the summer.