Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument

Celebrating 10 Years!

Since 2014, the BLM has had the distinct privilege of managing the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument on behalf of the American people.

We have always recognized that the establishment of the Monument was due, in large part, to the grassroots efforts by the local community, organizations, and individuals.

The Ogan Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument was established to protect significant prehistoric, historic, geologic, and biologic resources of scientific interest.

Due to an engaged and proud community, the Monument has seen an increase in visitation not only by community members, but also by national and international visitors.  We estimate hundreds of thousands of individuals have visited the Monument this past year alone.  Along with those Monument visits comes an opportunity for individuals to visit the community and appreciate all that Las Cruces has to offer.

Now that we have ended our month-long celebration of the Anniversary of the Monument’s designation, we want to thank the public for supporting our staff as they conducted numerous outreach events to include guided hikes, workshops and bike trail rides educating visitors on topics such as the environment, geology, history, and culture of the area, as well as resource protection and land stewardship.  

The BLM appreciates the public's involvement as they share an interest in the future of the land and resource management of the Monument.

The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument was established to protect significant prehistoric, historic, geologic, and biologic resources of scientific interest, and includes four areas: the Organ Mountains, Desert Peaks, Potrillo Mountains, and Doña Ana Mountains.

The Organ Mountains are a steep, angular mountain range with rocky spires that jut majestically above the Chihuahuan Desert floor to an elevation of 9,000 feet.  This picturesque area of rocky peaks, narrow canyons, and open woodlands ranges from Chihuahuan Desert habitat to ponderosa pine in the highest elevations.  Located adjacent to and on the east side of Las Cruces, this area provides opportunities for photography, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

The Desert Peaks include the Robledo Mountains, Sierra de las Uvas, and Doña Ana Mountains, characterized by desert mountains rising steeply from flat plains. 

The Potrillo Mountains are the most remote section of the Monument located a distance to the southwest from Las Cruces, and is comprised of a volcanic landscape of cinder cones, lava flows, and craters. 

The Doña Ana Mountains have extensive pedestrian trails, equestrian trails, mountain bike trails, rock climbing routes, and some limited routes available for motorized use.

The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument Resource Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Las Cruces District Office is preparing the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument Resource Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement (RMP/EIS). Please visit the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument RMP ePlanning page for more information.