Organ Needle  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Elevation:  9,000' Lat, Long:  32.3455, -106.5612 Map Page Views:  3,092. Good page?    Administrators:  Aaron Hobson, Jason Halladay, Anthony Stout, LeeAB, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Aaron Hobson on Oct 26, 2006 Make this area a Favorite What's New   Print a Mini-Guide with routes Add Route  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event

BETA PHOTO: The Organ Needle as seen from "Juniper Saddle", a ...

Description 

The tallest of the Organ mts and a favorite destination for the adventurous hiker. A number of routes ascend its various flanks. The most popular way to reach the top is via the Regular route, which is moslty a hike, but has a short section of 4th class scrambling near the top, which has kept many off the summit.

The more technical routes can be found on all sides of this peak. The East side has some immense and steep walls which have only begun to be explored by climbers.

Even if you do not intend on trying one of the technical routes to the summit of Organ Needle, it is well worth your time to hike to its summit, and familiarize yourself to Organs. Indeed, the Organ Needle offers one of the few actual trails to a summit (not maintained though) and anyone considering attempting any of the peaks nearby should be familiar with this trail for use as a quick descent route.

Rock quality is highly variable. While some sections appear to be quite solid, others are extremely treacherous.

Getting There 

the Organ needle can be approached from either the east or west. It is most commonly approached from the west starting at the La Cueva picnic area and hiking up Ferguson canyon. Alternatively, one can approach from the Modoc mine rd. from the east, approach is made from Aguirre Springs recreation area. The approach is long no matter which side, taking 3-6hrs or more for your first trip. No maintained trails exist, and be prepared for some bushwhacking.

The Classics

Featured Route For Organ Needle

Normal Route 3rd  NM : Organ Mountains : Organ Needle

While not really a technical climb, this route is included here for reference. Other climbs in the area share the approach. Anyone serious about climbing in the vicinity of the Organ Needle should familiarize themselves with this "trail" as it is currently the best means of egress from the mountain.A detailed description is also found at Ingraham's Climbing Site. web.nmsu.edu/~amato/ingrahamguide/Needle/Needle_master.htmlT>>> climb: Follow the approach of your choice (see below) to the "Ye...[more]   Browse More Classics in NM

Photos of Organ Needle Slideshow

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Cloud patterns over Organ Needle, February 1978.