Las Cruces Photo Album

The term Las Cruces means "the crosses" in Spanish, marking back to the 1830 massacre of travelers by Apaches, which left approximately 40 graves. Las Cruces was laid out in 1849; New Mexico State University was established here in 1888, and the town was incorporated in 1907.
From OnlineHighways - New Mexico

The beautiful Organ Mountains with their "needles and horns" rise just 11 miles east of Las Cruces. The tallest peak (Organ Needle) reaches to 9,012 feet. FromMesilla-valley.net

New Mexico's state flower is in fact a plant native to the deserts of the Southwest. The yucca is also known as the "Lamparas de dios" which translates to "Lamps of the Lord" due to the bright mass of white flowers that protrude from a center stalk within the plant. From nmusa.com

This peak is a prominent feature in the Las Cruces area.  The peak dates back to Oligocene in age.  Picacho Peak is a high, pointed peak composed of flow banded rhyolite.  It is an example of a rhyolite dome, blisters on the landscape are the result from lava that didn't quite make its way to the surface. From nmsu.edu

The eastern edge of the Organs

Sunset on the East Mesa

Moonrise over the Organ Mountains

Sunset on the West Mesa

Yep, we do get snow. But this time it was only in the mountains.