Organ Needle

Organ Needle is a mountain summit in the Organ Mountains of southern New Mexico, reaching about 9,012 feet with dramatic granite formations and near-vertical cliffs. The peak rises steeply from the surrounding basin and is visible from Las Cruces below, making it a recognizable landmark in the landscape.

The area served as hunting grounds for indigenous peoples long before American settlement in the 19th century. The mountain range was named by early settlers who thought the rock formations resembled organ pipes.

Local climbing groups maintain routes and trails to the summit, fostering a community of outdoor enthusiasts who document their ascents for future generations.

Access from Las Cruces involves driving on dirt roads to the trailhead, then hiking and scrambling sections that increase in difficulty. Start early in the day to complete the ascent with plenty of daylight, especially during hot summer months.

The summit rises about 4,000 feet above the Tularosa Basin within just two miles, creating one of the steepest vertical elevation gains in the region. This dramatic topography makes the peak visible from many miles away and creates the impression of a sudden tower rising from the desert floor.