Organ Mountains Willderness Area

The Organ Mountains Wilderness Area is located in the south-central portion of New Mexico on the eastern edge of Las Cruces. The mountain range is composed of jagged, high spires with steep rocky ridges interspersed by narrow rocky canyons. The steep, angular, rock pinnacles and outcroppings are massive. The northern area is granite, while the southern portion is rhyolite, which creates a distinct color variation. Vegetation consists of mixed desert shrubs, piñon, and juniper woodlands and, in narrow chasms between rock outcrops, ribbons of green oak trees and ponderosa pine. Many of the canyons contain seasonal or year-long springs which create unique habitats for plants and animals. Archaeological sites include remnants of historic mining and prehistoric rock shelters.