We start out by observing the warning sign at the beginning of the trail. Everything must have a warning label on it these days and the Organ Mountains are no exception. Don’t attempt hikes that are too difficult…check; don’t hike alone…check; leave word where you are going…check; leave rattle snakes alone…double check. OK, we are ready now.
The first part of the trail is not too steep and takes us through some scrubby vegetation. Our dog, Lucy is kind of hobbly today as she injured her front paw on our trail run yesterday. We thought about leaving her at home, but that would be torture for her as she is always the most anxious to go on a running or hiking adventure. She troops along up the trail with a little limp, but doesn’t hesitate to go on a chase when the other dogs spot something. Like most ultramarathoners, Lucy does not know when to slow down, but “runs through” her injury.
I spot a plant and wonder if it is Mormon Tea which Cara verifies that it is. Mormon Tea or Ephedra was used by Native Americans and Mormon pioneers for medicinal purposes. Ephedra looks like a leafless plant with many stalks that remind me of tiny bamboo shoots. With a closer look though, you can see that it actually has tiny scale like leaves. The “tea” acts as a stimulant, diuretic, and decongestant, but has been used for many ailments over the years.
Soon we reach a nice resting spot where we enjoy a snack and some water. The dogs also have a snack and something to drink which they have been carrying in their doggie saddlebags. I’m often asked why Taz, our smallest dog, has to carry the backpack to which I respond, “because he has the most energy and I want to tire him out so he won’t be so crazy around the house.”
After two hours of hiking we make it to the pass and are rewarded with fine views of Organ, NM in the east, White Sands, NM in the west, Baylor Peak to the north, and Rabbit Ears to the south. We have arrived at the perfect place to have lunch and the weather is grand. Cool, sunny, and no wind. What more could you ask for? After enjoying our meal and snapping many pictures we start our trek back down towards our car. However, if you continue down the other side of the pass you will reach Aguirre Springs Campground for a total of 5.25 miles (one way).
On the way back down I notice an interesting tree. It is an Alligator Juniper which is named for the bark of the tree that actually looks like alligator skin. A while later the dogs are interested in one of the rocks we pass. I hear lapping noises and realize that they have found a water filled indentation in the rock. When I look, I see that the “tank” is a beautiful algae green filled pool. Yum! Our friends appear to like this water much better than the H2O that they have been carrying on their backs.
P.S. We made Lucy take a few days off and she is feeling much better now. I suspect she will be back on the trail in another day or so.
"Little Boy" sporting his Ruff Wear Saddle Bags
Cara and Adelle enjoying the view
View of the valley and sotol stalk
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