Baylor Peak From Aguirre Springs

The Baylor Peak is located at the end of the Organ Mountains near the Baylor Pass to the north. To get there you drive by the US 70 from Las Cruces NM toward Alamogordo NM, once crossing the mountain you will find the entrance to Aguirre Springs National Recreation Area, inside the Organ Mountain Desert Peaks National Monument. You start your trip walking on the Baylor Canyon Pass Trail (32.37176, -106.56163); at the end you will see the Baylor Peak to your right. The trail to the peak is steep, rocky and not well marked but you can see it, the map only shows about 200 feet, but is there. On the way up you will find several marks with stones that will guide you in direction to the peak. At about the mile 2.5 you will arrive to the top of a small mountain, from here no trail is defined and you have to walk along the ridge and most of the time over the rocks. Once at the summit of the Baylor Peak you will enjoy beautiful views, of course also the Organ Mountains and even part of the White Sands National Monument, the flight of the swallows will amaze you. Do not forget to write your name on the little notepad inside the metal can, a proof that you were there! Walking down is the most difficult part, be careful with the loose rocks and walk slowly. Wear a pair of hiking boots (no tennis) and preferably use a walking stick, and enjoy this hard but beautiful trail!