Squaw Mountain

Overview

The Organ Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to the southern New Mexico city of Las Cruces. They also serve as much of the western boundary for the southern part of White Sands Missile Range. There are not many established trails in the Organ Mountains because of the steep, craggy nature of the terrain. Many of the pinnacles and peaks are only accessible by fifth class routes, but Squaw Mountain's summit perch can be reached by anyone willing to negotiate the cross country route to the peak. Squaw Mountain offers a great vistas of the Organ Mountains to the east and of Las Cruces to the west. The terrain is rugged and it has the typical hurdles one might expect on a desert Southwest peak. You will see lots of sotol, ocotillo, prickly pear, and Spanish daggers that will want to stab, poke, and tear your soft skin.

Below is the view from the summit of Squaw Peak looking towards Organ Needle.

Getting There

There are two primary approaches to Squaw Mountain.

Dripping Springs

From Interstate 25 in Las Cruces, take the University exit. Go east on University Blvd. until you see signs for the preserve's A. B. Cox Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is open to the public from 9-5 daily except on Thanksgiving and Christmas. The preserve is open from 8:00 a.m.. to sunset year round. The day use fee is $3.00.

Soledad Canyon

From Interstate 25 in Las Cruces, take the University exit. Go east on University Blvd. A couple miles past the Farm and Ranch Museum turn right on Soledad Canyon Road. The road will head south until it hits a fire station then it will turn 90 degrees to the east. Follow Soledad Canyon Road east toward the mountains until you see Squaw Mtn on the north side of the road.

Red Tape

Check the Dripping Springs BLM Natural Area website or give them a call at Phone: 505.522.1219 to verify there hours. They have been known to close earlier than posted in the evenings.

Camping

There is a developed BLM camping area on the east side of the Organ Mountains at Aguirre Springs. No electricity is available but toilets and picnic tables are provided. Bush camping along Baylor Canyon Rd is also a possibility.

External Links

Dripping Springs.
Climbers Guide to the Organs

Images

View Squaw Mountain Image Gallery - 5 Images