East Side Organ Mountains

This time we went to the east side of the Organ Mountains to a campground called Aguirre Springs. The views were more beautiful than the west side (if that can be). The rough, steep, rocky ridges were spectacular,

 https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/new-mexico/organ-mountains-desert-peaks-national-monument

 The loop trail is all one way so there is no on-coming traffic to contend with. You can enjoy the view better that way but there aren't a lot of places to pull over if there is traffic behind you and you want to take a photo. But we went slow and took pictures when we felt like it.

There were lots of the sotol yucca here which we hadn't seen much of before, instead of the more common yucca that had the bunches of flowers that make the wonderful seed pods we are so used to. The sotol yucca had a single stock that is covered with tiny flowers in the spring and not much of a seed pod.

On this side there are more trees. You can see what looks like ponderosa pine on this ridge. There were lots of oak, juniper, and pinon where we were.

We made it to the top and took a short hike around the parking area of the campground.

Me, enjoying the views.

 Close up of one of the crags on the ridges.

Sarah and Ruby

Me and Ruby

Some where looking out across the top we understand that part of White Sands Military Base is near near by. Sometimes when there isn't as much haze you can see clear to White Sands National Monument.

The road going back down.