Being a native New Englander I was at first put off by what appeared to be a desolate area, but since having spent time in New Mexico I begin to understand why it is labeled with the epithet, “Land of Enchantment.” This climb to the top of Dona Ana County was a great opportunity to take in the picturesque views of the Tularosa Basin and the Rio Grande Valley of south-central New Mexico.
The climb was rugged and full of prickly plants and should only be attempted by people who are in decent shape. You will get tired on this long hike but the prickly plants will keep you moving and become a good wake-up to the exhaustion.
Things to keep in mind:
1. Carrying in your own water supply is a must
2. The Trails are not well marked and many run-off ravines and animal trail can easily be mistaken as the main trail.
3. The hike is long and time consuming in-and-of-itself, normally this is not a problem, but if you’re a picture taker and love to just let journey become and adventure be forewarned that the BLM officials lock the gate-up tighter than Check Point Charlie. I believe they are a husband and wife team and from my dealings with them they were not that personable. Yet, that was my take and who knows…we are all entitled to bad days.
4. Parking runs about $3.00 but considering the spectacular views and feeling as if you were living in an Edward Abbey book, it is money well spent.
Enjoy the journey and if you get a chance follow the trail toward Organ peak just a bit and check out the bone tree. I carried a skull of a dead Mule Deer all the way from the slopes of Organ peak, up and back down in order to contribute to this unique environmental decoration.
Picture can be viewed here: http://members.fotki.com/MountainSolitude
Just trying to say thanks but not sure if it posts.
markhyams - Dec 16, 2006 2:48 pm Date Climbed: Dec 15, 2006
Dark Canyon route
This is a tough outing. I followed Gerry Roach's route description and it worked very well. There is a path the entire way, and a good thing, because if you lose it, the terrain is very, very rugged, and making the summit would be all but impossible. Photos here.
surgent - Oct 11, 2006 2:57 pm Date Climbed: Mar 31, 2001
March 2001
Went with a group of locals who knew the route, otherwise I would have had no idea where to go. Steep and brushy, then the wall presents some challenges. More psychologically challenging than physical, but bring a rope and belayer if you think you'll need it.
Route Climbed: Modoc Mine Route Date Climbed: Nov. 2000
This is a tough little mountain! The final class 3+
pitch was a little dicey without a rope. This was for me an "almost but not quite" mountain climb. Many thorns,cactus, etc. along the way. I still want to finish it someday.
Mountain Solitude - Mar 15, 2007 4:22 am Date Climbed: Nov 11, 2005
Sweet ClimbBeing a native New Englander I was at first put off by what appeared to be a desolate area, but since having spent time in New Mexico I begin to understand why it is labeled with the epithet, “Land of Enchantment.” This climb to the top of Dona Ana County was a great opportunity to take in the picturesque views of the Tularosa Basin and the Rio Grande Valley of south-central New Mexico.
The climb was rugged and full of prickly plants and should only be attempted by people who are in decent shape. You will get tired on this long hike but the prickly plants will keep you moving and become a good wake-up to the exhaustion.
Things to keep in mind:
1. Carrying in your own water supply is a must
2. The Trails are not well marked and many run-off ravines and animal trail can easily be mistaken as the main trail.
3. The hike is long and time consuming in-and-of-itself, normally this is not a problem, but if you’re a picture taker and love to just let journey become and adventure be forewarned that the BLM officials lock the gate-up tighter than Check Point Charlie. I believe they are a husband and wife team and from my dealings with them they were not that personable. Yet, that was my take and who knows…we are all entitled to bad days.
4. Parking runs about $3.00 but considering the spectacular views and feeling as if you were living in an Edward Abbey book, it is money well spent.
Enjoy the journey and if you get a chance follow the trail toward Organ peak just a bit and check out the bone tree. I carried a skull of a dead Mule Deer all the way from the slopes of Organ peak, up and back down in order to contribute to this unique environmental decoration.
Picture can be viewed here: http://members.fotki.com/MountainSolitude
Mt2Climb - Mar 26, 2007 8:56 am
Re: Sweet ClimbJust trying to say thanks but not sure if it posts.
markhyams - Dec 16, 2006 2:48 pm Date Climbed: Dec 15, 2006
Dark Canyon routeThis is a tough outing. I followed Gerry Roach's route description and it worked very well. There is a path the entire way, and a good thing, because if you lose it, the terrain is very, very rugged, and making the summit would be all but impossible. Photos here.
surgent - Oct 11, 2006 2:57 pm Date Climbed: Mar 31, 2001
March 2001Went with a group of locals who knew the route, otherwise I would have had no idea where to go. Steep and brushy, then the wall presents some challenges. More psychologically challenging than physical, but bring a rope and belayer if you think you'll need it.
easleygone - Apr 2, 2005 2:08 am
Route Climbed: Modoc Mine Route Date Climbed: Nov. 2000This is a tough little mountain! The final class 3+
pitch was a little dicey without a rope. This was for me an "almost but not quite" mountain climb. Many thorns,cactus, etc. along the way. I still want to finish it someday.