Are you planning to hit the Pine Tree Trail near Las Cruces and need some more info? Then I got you covered!
We hiked this trail recently, and much of the info out there is off. It took us a lot longer to complete and it was a lot more difficult.
Obviously, you want to make sure that this trail is right for your fitness level before going there. And of course, if the view is worth the hike.
In this post, I will answer all these questions, and give you a detailed guide into hiking the Pine Tree Trail near Las Cruces.
Let’s get to it!
Pine Tree Trail, New Mexico: Basic Facts
Length: 4.2 miles (6.7 km)
Average Completion Time: 2 – 3 hours
Elevation Gain: 1.049 ft
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty: moderate – difficult
Entrance Fee: USD 5,00 (bring cash)
Pine Tree Loop Trail Description
The Pine Tree Loop Trail in Las Cruces is known for amazing views and stunning panoramas. The moderate-difficult hike will take you up the side of the Organ Mountain range.
The trail is famous for its high desert terrain. You’ll have to navigate through bushes and plants, as some part of the trail are not perfectly up kept. For the most part, the trail is in good conditions, but you’ll still need stable shoes.
The elevation gain on this trail is pretty tough in some parts, so it is not beginner friendly. You’ll walk through some forest-y parts, but also some parts that are very exposed to the sun.
The trail is dog-friendly, as long as they are leashed. We went on the weekend and encountered several people on the trail, it is pretty popular.
Is The View Worth The Hike?
The view from the highest point of the Pine Tree Trail in New Mexico is definitely worth the hike.
You’ll see the stunning side of the Organ Mountains up close on one side. On the other side, you can see the entire Tularosa Basin, the White Sands National Park and the White Sands Missile Range.
You have amazing views pretty much the entire hike, since the starting point is already pretty elevated.
I felt like the middle part of the hike was pretty tough, as you’ll have to gain a lot of elevation. But the view totally made up for it. It has become one of our favorite hikes in New Mexico.
Of course we needed to bring our drone, so watch this video for some awesome 360 degrees view:
Which Flora & Fauna Wille You Encounter?
We did not see much in terms of animals (no snakes, luckily) but we did see some stunning yucca plants that were up to 2 meters high.
Of course, you’ll see impressive pine trees, cholla cacti and prickly pears.
Animals wise, there are lots of lizards, some rabbits and occasionally snakes have been sighted on the trail.
The trail is geologically pretty important, so it is a great place to explore.
Is the Pine Tree Trail Family Friendly?
Yes, I would definitely rate the Pine Tree Trail in New Mexico as family friendly. We encountered lots of families with kids from the ages 10 and up. I would not bring younger kids on the hike.
The hike can be a bit strenuous, so plan enough time and bring some snacks. We encountered also a couple of boy scouts, who had a blast exploring the trail and the plants.
Good To Know Before Going
The Pine Tree Trail is pretty exposed to the elements, so you definitely need to bring sunscreen, lots of water and UV-protective clothing.
The best time to do the trail is from September/November and February/April. It can get pretty hot in summer, and snowy and icy in the winter. It is open year-round.
You need to pay an entrance fee in cash when you enter the park. It is USD 5,00 per vehicle, and you can deposit it in a small box.
There is a back-country camping site near the trailhead. It is called Aguirre Campground. There are also a couple of picnic areas.
How to Get to Pine Tree Trail
The Pine Tree Trail is pretty easy to reach.
Here’s how you can get there from Las Cruces, El Paso, and Alamogordo:
From Las Cruces:
- Take I-25 N toward Albuquerque.
- Take exit 6 for US-70 E toward Alamogordo.
- Continue on US-70 E for about 14 miles.
- Turn left onto Aguirre Spring Road (look for the brown sign for Aguirre Spring Recreation Area).
- Follow Aguirre Spring Road for about 5 miles until you reach the recreation area. The Pine Tree Trailhead is in the campground area.
- Distance: Approximately 22 miles
- Driving Time: About 30-35 minutes
From El Paso:
- Take I-10 W toward Las Cruces.
- Take exit 142 for US-70 E toward Alamogordo.
- Merge onto US-70 E and continue for about 22 miles.
- Turn left onto Aguirre Spring Road and follow the directions above to the trailhead.
- Distance: Approximately 50-55 miles
- Driving Time: About 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
From Alamogordo:
- Take US-70 W toward Las Cruces.
- After crossing the San Augustin Pass, look for Aguirre Spring Road on your right.
- Turn right onto Aguirre Spring Road and follow the directions above to the trailhead.
- Distance: Approximately 65-70 miles
- Driving Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
Conclusion: Pine Tree Trail Near Las Cruces, NM
The Pine Tree Trail in New Mexico is a stunning 4.5-mile loop located in the Organ Mountains near Las Cruces.
It’s a moderate-challenging hike with an elevation gain of about 1,049 feet. The hike is family friendly and is offering breathtaking views of the Tularosa Basin and the Organ Mountains.
The trail will lead you through some stunning terrain up the mountain. It is perfect for experienced hikers that enjoy a good view.
You’ll need to pay an entrance fee and bring lots of protection from the sun, since the trail is pretty exposed. Of course, you also need to bring a lot of water.
I hope you’ll enjoy the trail as much as we did. This is one of the best hikes near Las Cruces, and I can totally recommend trying it out!
If you are craving something different for your next hike, check out the Osha Trail in Cloudcroft or the Dune Life Nature Trail in the White Sands.
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About the Author
Sabrina is a passionate travel blogger and content creator based in Alamogordo, New Mexico. Her goal is to explore the beautiful state of New Mexico and share it on this blog. She’ll also dive deep into culture, history and other interesting facts about her new home on this blog.