Organ Mountains orientation table, New Mexico
N 32° 25.430 W 106° 33.949
13S E 352776 N 3588494
This viewpoint shelter provides a resting place to view the Organ Mountains, and includes a detailed orientation table.
Waymark Code: WMCZAW
Location: New Mexico, United States
Date Posted: 10/29/2011
Views: 7
There is an interpretive sign here, which reads:
ORGAN MOUNTAINS
Here is the a list of the identified areas on the map: Granite Peak, Rock Spring Canyon, White Sands Proving Ground, Sugarloaf Peak, Organ Peak, Indian Hollow, Organ Needle, Pine Tree Trail, Aguirre Spring Campground, The Hoodies, Baylor Pass Trail, Rabbit Ears, Baylor Point.
These mountains were originally called the Soledad Mountains by the Spanish settlers, referring to the solitude and tranquility that typifies this mountain range. The English-speaking settlers later renamed them the Organ Mountans because it is believed that the central rock formations (the Needles) reminded them of church organ pipes. These formations can be seen more clearly from the west side of the mountain. The highest point in the Organ Mountains is the Organ Needle which rises to an elevation of 9012 feet above sea level. The Organ Mountains are bordered by the Franklin Mountains to the south and the San Augustin and San Adres Mountains to the north of Highway 70.
The Organ mountains rise aboe the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert to form three distinct life zones. Just above the desert floor is the Desert Grassland, followd by the Pinyon Juniper/Oak Woodland, and culminating with the Rocky Mountain Coniferous Forest at the higher elevations. These life zones are traversed by countless riparian corridors which blend the life forms of the different zones and also support distinct riparian species. There are approximately 80 species of mammals, 185 species of birds, and 60 species of reptiles and amphibians that use this area.
The dominent rocks seen today in the Organ Mountains originated about 32 million years ago. At that time a molten body of rock or magma began to ooze from great depths pushing up the overlying layers of rock. Some of the magma was forced to the surface ejecting vast quantities of ash, rock and lava over th surrounding terrain. The results of thei volcanic activity can be seen today as the dark red rocks that form the southern portion of the range. The magma which did not reach the surface cooled to form a batholith. The grey, granitic pinnacles of the norther Organs are remnants of this slowly cooled magna. Area mines have produced copper, fluorite, gold, lead, silver, and zinc.
Most of the mountainous area visible to the south is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and available to the public for recreation. Help preserve the beauty of these mountains by observing area rules. For more information about this area please contact the BLM office in Las Cruces.
Artist / Creator:
State of New Mexico
Location / Access:
I-70 pulloff, the San Agustin Wayside, near White Sands, New Mexico
Date of creation: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
1) Tell what you experienced during your visit.
2) Proof of your visit is required. Send at least a picture of the table. Either :
- Table and landscape
- A close-up view of the table : why not with your finger showing a particular direction (your city, country, your holiday residence ...) (optional)
A photo with your GPSr is not required.