Crews rescue woman in Organ Mountains
LAS CRUCES – Rescue crews recovered an injured hiker over the weekend, the second person to require help descending an Organ Mountain trail in two weeks.
Vic Villalobos, a Mesilla Valley Search and Rescue member, said crews got the call to respond before noon on Saturday, April 1. Villalobos said a woman in her mid-20s injured her ankle on the Aguirre Springs Pine Tree Loop. Villalobos said crews located the hiker about two miles up the trial.
Villalobos said crews hiked into the area and were able to head out after about five hours. Villalobos said the hiker did not need to be taken to the hospital. Unlike a rescue effort the previous weekend, Villalobos said the Aguirre Springs Pine Tree Loop was a much simpler area to perform the rescue.
Last week, a hiker injured his ankle near the Grey Eminence peak in the Needles area. According to a Las Cruces Fire Department news release, that rescue lasted into the night and took around 11 hours.
Mesilla Valley Search and Rescue, Organ Mountain Technical Rescue, Doña Ana County Search and Rescue, New Mexico State Police, Las Cruces Fire Department, and White Sands Fire Department assisted in the rescue effort.
New old tips for adventuring in the Organs
On Friday, the Las Cruces Fire Department released updated tips and advice when hiking in the Las Cruces area. The updated guidance includes:
Know your capabilities and the terrain in which you will be in.
Plan your trek carefully and consider weather reports, the expected duration and other conditions you might face during your adventure.
Never hike, bike, backpack or adventure alone.
Keep groups together unless it is essential to separate for survival.
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.
Pack a power bank and the proper cord to recharge a depleted cell phone battery.
Carry a flashlight and extra batteries even if your hike is during the daytime.
Avoid pushing daylight to take in a glorious sunset or full moon. Once the sun sets, following trails and finding your bearings on unknown terrain is difficult.
Take plenty of drinking water and food to sustain you during the trek. Remember, warm daytime temperatures and relatively high elevations expend energy quickly.
Wear or carry 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 rain upstream from your location.
Be extremely cautious of setting or using fire.
Beware of more active snakes during warmer weather and as daytime temperatures rise. Snakebite victims should seek help immediately.
Beware of wild animals that frequent the Organ Mountains and other nearby areas: bobcats, mountain lions, coyotes, foxes, deer, and African oryx. Never approach or attempt to handle a wild animal.
If hiking with a dog, consider its needs and safety requirements for the trek.
Refrain from allowing your dog to run off-leash as it might give chase to wild animals and could quickly become lost or injured.
Stay within the limitations of your vehicle (or your driving skills).
Ensure your vehicle, tires, and spare tire are in good condition for the terrain.
Monitor your fuel gauge to ensure you do not run out of gasoline.
Stay on developed roads or dedicated tracks.
Respect signage and avoid driving onto private properties or dedicated wilderness areas.
Do not attempt dangerous water crossings.
Properly wear seatbelts or harnesses at all times when the vehicle is in motion.
If stranded, it is recommended first to try calling for help. Abandoning a vehicle and walking for help could be more dangerous than staying put and waiting for help to arrive.
Tell a friend or relative where you are going and when you expect to return. If you have yet to return by the designated time, they should know to contact authorities.
Dispose of waste properly and use the “Pack it In – Pack it Out” motto to help keep wild areas pristine.
Justin Garcia covers public safety and local government in Las Cruces. He can be reached via email at JEGarcia@lcsun-news.com, via phone or text at 575-541-5449, or on Twitter @Just516Garc.
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This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Crews rescue woman in Organ Mountains
