Every so often we are required to make a field trip to the top of Tortugas Mountain, elevation 4910 ft. The trail out of the parking lot on the west side of the mountain is rather steep, but it doesn't take long to get to the crest. As always, Research Associate Becca--who has more energy than a herd of mountain goats--was up in a flash.
Even though Tortugas is a relatively small mountain, the views from the top are stupendous. Especially beautiful is the view to the east along Dripping Springs Road to the west face of the Organ Mountains. Also, the old observatory at the top is a real sight to see, as is the altar used to pay tribute to the Virgin of Guadalupe.
Upon starting the descent, the city of Las Cruces and the Rio Grande Valley (the green ribbon in the photo at left) are clearly visible. The trip down is equally quick, though the downward journey is always harder on your knees than the upward. The whole trip takes slightly less than an hour and a half, depending, of course, on how much time you linger at the top.
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