Organ Needle 8,980 Ft. Extreme New Mexico Day Hike

Organ Needle is the impressive highpoint of the rugged Organ Mountains of Southern New Mexico. At an elevation of 8,980 feet it is also the tallest point in Doña Ana County.The peak is popular for hikers and climbers for it is the highpoint of the range, a highly prominent peak and the highpoint of Dona Ana County. The standard route is a mix of use trails, bushwhacking, route finding and a short but exposed class 3/4 scramble crux just below the summit. With over 4,000 feet of gain in about 4 miles, and with the attendant challenges, most hikers require a good day to make the round trip. A rope belay might be needed for the crux if you feel uncomfortable otherwise. The rewards are amazing views of the deserts into Mexico, and the amazing White Sands to the northeast. Gigantic Sierra Blanca stands tall way off to the northeast, as do countless other peaks withjin New Mexico, Texas and Old Mexico.