Hike Mars Canyon and Archenback Canyon Loop Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, NM

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This is a really nice loop of a lower ridgeline within the Organ Mountains, separated from the higher peaks. It's also a great hike for getting into desert route-finding: you go up one canyon on a social trail, along a ridge, and down an official trail.

Starting at the Archenback Canyon Trailhead, head up Mars Canyon (Cuates Canyon is the official name for Mars Canyon, I believe) on a rough social trail that helps avoid most cacti, taking you up a couple of Class 2 moves in the narrowest sections of Mars Canyon. Once you get to the ridge, head southeast along the ridgeline and down to a sign (without crossing it) reading "Artillery Firing Range", placed for hikers on the official Archenback Canyon Trail. I suppose this is the end of the Archenback Canyon Trail, even though the trail continues down to the northeast toward Soledad Canyon Road. Anyway, you're not going down to Soledad Canyon Road, so you don't need to pass the sign. Follow the trail past Archenback Tank (dry when I went) all the way back to the trailhead.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Peak 6650

6650 ft

467 rise

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Starting from the Archenback Canyon Trailhead, following the Cuates Canyon Road into Mars Canyon.

Entering Mars Canyon.

A social trail leads through otherwise unpleasant cacti terrain.

Looking back down Mars Canyon.

Almost at the head of Mars Canyon.

Head of Mars Canyon, looking back down.

Head of Mars Canyon, looking north to the Organ Mountains.

Continuing east along the ridge to a small peak.

Along the ridgeline, looking east.

Continuing east along the ridgeline.

The ridgeline is super pretty - the pinnacles of the Organ Mountains are behind you and the rolling hills of the southern peaks are in front. Archenback Canyon appears on the right. You could drop down into it any time you want, but I was enjoying the ridgeline too much.

Looking back along the ridgeline.

Coming off the ridgeline to join with the Archenback Canyon Trail.

A no trespassing sign, at the end of the ridgeline. The Archenback Canyon Trail appears, and you can follow it all the way back.

Along the Archenback Canyon Trail.

Nice formations along the Archenback Canyon Trail.

Archenback Tank, empty.

A pretty cliff that the trail avoids, staying high before dropping back down to the trailhead.

Approaching the Archenback Canyon Trailhead.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!