Organ Needle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Organ Needle |
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View of Organ Needle from the west
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 8982+ ft (2738+ m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 3,700 ft (1,100 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Doña Ana County, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Parent range | Organ Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Organ Peak |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Off-trail hike/scramble, class 3+ or 4 |
Organ Needle is the highest point in the Organ Mountains. These mountains are located in the southern part of New Mexico, a state in the U.S..
This tall peak is found in Doña Ana County. It is about 13 miles (21 km) east of Las Cruces. It is also about 4 miles (6.4 km) southwest of White Sands. White Sands is where the White Sands Missile Range has its main offices. Organ Needle sits at the end of a narrow ridge of strong granite rock. This ridge is known as The Needles.
What Makes Organ Needle Special?
Organ Needle is one of the most amazing peaks in New Mexico. Its name fits it well, as it looks like a steep, sharp needle pointing to the sky.
This mountain rises very high above the land around it. It climbs about 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) from the edge of the Tularosa Basin in just 2 miles (3.2 km). It also stands about 5,100 feet (1,554 meters) above the city of Las Cruces. This means it has a very steep and dramatic rise from the flat land below.
Climbing Organ Needle
Climbing Organ Needle is a challenging adventure. It involves finding your way carefully up the mountain. There is no clear path or trail.
Climbers gain about 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) in height from the base to the top. The climb also includes difficult "scrambling." Scrambling means you need to use both your hands and feet to climb over rocks. It is harder than hiking but not as hard as rock climbing.
