Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument

The monument spans 496,330 acres across five mountain ranges, featuring desert landscapes, volcanic craters, springs, canyons, and peaks reaching 9,000 feet in elevation.

The area contains 243 archaeological sites, including Native American settlements, petroglyphs, and sections of the Butterfield Stagecoach Trail from the 19th century.

The Spanish explorers named the Organ Mountains 'Sierra de Los Organos' based on the rock formations that resemble cathedral pipe organs.

The Dripping Springs Visitor Center opens daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, providing trail maps, exhibits, and information about recreational activities in the monument.

Kilbourne Hole, a volcanic crater within the Potrillo Mountains, served as a training ground for NASA astronauts preparing for lunar missions.

Location: Doña Ana County

Operator: Bureau of Land Management

Website: https://blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/new-mexico/organ-mountains-desert-peaks-national-monument

GPS coordinates: 32.32600,-106.55500

Latest update: March 5, 2025 12:53