Two dozen Texans rescued from Organ Mountains

May 17—Two dozen members of a Texas-based hiking group are safe — though many of them have sore rear ends — after a failed attempt to summit the highest point in the Organ Mountains on Sunday.

The large group's effort led to several 911 calls when the hikers became stranded at various points along the Organ Needle, a rugged peak that stands about 9,000 feet above sea level.

It was likely the largest search and rescue operation in the mountain chain flanking Las Cruces, at least in recent memory. The Las Cruces Fire Department's Technical Rescue Team, along with members of the Mesilla Valley Search and Rescue, Doña Ana County Sheriff's Office and New Mexico State Police, worked through the night to bring the Texans to safety, said Dan Trujillo, a spokesman for Las Cruces police and fire departments.

"It was some hiking group out of El Paso," he said. "They go to different areas, they hike and this time they chose the Organ Mountains and it didn't work out that well."

The group ranged in age from teenagers to adults in their mid-60s, and in trail experience. They set out for the summit at 4 a.m. on Sunday.

The group splintered into smaller groups and got disoriented on the route, according to a Las Cruces Fire Department news release.

SummitPost, a website that describes the routes to the top of prominent peaks, said to stand atop the Organ Needle, one must link a mix of hiking trails, bushwhacking, route finding and a short but exposed climbing section just below the summit. It says that some people will need a rope belay to make it to the top.

It didn't appear that any member of the group reached the apex, with everyone turning around at various places throughout the climb, which ascends 4,000 feet over just four miles.

"It's a very steep grade. So on the way back down they were sliding on their rear ends," Trujillo said. "So they had bad scratches. ... The seats of their pants were worn out on some of the individuals."

As the day turned into evening, the hikers, unable to find their way off the mountain, made several calls to 911. One 47-year-old woman couldn't get down on her own and had to be carried down in the Stokes basket. She was taken to Memorial Medical Center with non life-threatening injuries.

The other hikers reported minor issues, like butt scratches, rolled ankles and dehydration.

All told, Trujillo said about a dozen rescuers from the various agencies were hard at work from about 8 p.m. until 4 a.m. Monday morning.

He said it was at least the third time in 2021 that the fire department's technical rescue team partnered with Mesilla Valley Search and Rescue on a mission in the Organ Mountains.

For those hiking in the Organ Mountains, or other trails throughout the state, the LCFD suggests following these and other safety tips:

* Know your capabilities and the terrain for which you will be hiking.

* Plan your trek carefully and take into consideration weather reports, the expected duration of your trek and other conditions which may be faced during your adventure.

* Never hike or backpack alone.

* Keep groups together unless it's absolutely necessary to separate.

* Follow all signage and refrain from straying from established trails.

* Carry a fully charged cellular or satellite phone in case of an emergency. Avoid depleting a cell phone's battery by overusing the camera function.

* Carry a flashlight and extra batteries.

* Tell a friend or relative where you are going and when you expect to return. If you have not returned by the designated time, they should know to contact authorities.

* Take plenty of water and food to sustain you during the trek.

* Keep in mind, warm daytime temperatures and relatively high elevations expend energy quickly.

* Wear proper attire for the trek. It's best to dress in layers that can be easily removed — or added — depending on conditions.

* Wear a hat or proper head covering.

* Wear boots or hiking shoes that are comfortable and suitable for the terrain to be covered.

* Be aware of changing weather conditions and the potential for flash floods from rains that occur upstream from your location.

* Beware of snakes that are more active during warmer weather and as daytime temperatures rise. Snakebite victims should seek help immediately.

* Beware of wild animals that are known to frequent the Organ Mountains and other areas nearby: bobcats, mountain lions, coyotes, foxes, deer and African oryx. Never approach or attempt to handle a wild animal.

* If hiking with a dog, take into consideration its needs and safety requirements for the trek.

* Dispose of waste properly and use the "Pack it In, Pack it Out" motto to help keep wild areas pristine.