Aguirre Springs Hike

March 13, 2009 Our first hike in Las Cruces took us from desert floor through mountain pines and back on the Aguirre Springs-Pine Tree Loop trail. We gained about 1040 feet elevation through alligator juniper (you'll know by the bark) and piñon (a small pine tree with edible seeds) to ponderosa, oaks, and spruce in just over 4 miles.

For much of the time we had expansive views of Tularosa Basin and White Sands National Monument. We could hear the near constant boom, boom, boom from the White Sands Missile Range.

Check out our views in the gallery below (click a pick to view a larger version):

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-P