April 29, 2021
I've been to Organ Peaks National Monument several times; the idea is to hike one or two new trails with each visit.
On a previous trip, I hiked the Baylor Pass trail (which passes south of Baylor Peak, across the Organ Mountains) from the west side to the trail summit and then back. With this trip, I'll be starting on the east side, and will hike to the same summit, and then return.
New Mexico
This is the view of the Mountains from the west, looking east. The pass is that notch in the middle.
It's a cold morning and there has been a light dusting of snow at night.
The Pinnacle Trail goes towards that rugged part of the mountains. My trail runs the other direction.
The view looking east towards the White Sands Missile Range. White Sands National Monument is just behind the hills on the left.
I'll be heading towards that mountain, and turning left up the valley. That's Baylor Peak. There's a trail that goes to the top, but I'm not doing that one.
The trail is in good shape, today. Notice that somebody has recently trimmed a branch from that tree.
Lichen comes in many colors.
The trail was hardly ever much steeper than this.
Just a few steps up, but nothing too challenging.
The view looking to the west. If I were to keep going on this trail, I'd eventually reach the west-side trail-head on Baylor Canyon Road.
A beautiful trail in one of my favorite places.