The mountains just east of Las Cruces are part of a newly created (2014) National Monument, Organ Mountains Desert Peaks.  We took advantage of a couple hikes on the west side on the mountains where the rugged terrain and many washes create lots of canyon hiking opportunities.

We checked out the east side and found a wonderfully remote campground, Aguirre Springs which is perched in a dish shaped cut-out high above the basin floor and about half way up Baylor mountain. The access road twists and turns and sites are small so it would be, at best, a motor home only stop for us.  Looks about perfect for tent campers though; great setting, great view, several trails, and lots of backcountry access.

High mountain crevasse are streaked with snow.