"A" Mountain is clearly one of the most noticeable things in Las Cruces. (Photo by Darrel Gomez Jr.)

Story by Darrel Gomez Jr.

Finals are here – a time when students tend to look for ways to relieve some stress. Well how about a nature hike up one of the biggest landmarks in Las Cruces, known as “A” Mountain?

“A” Mountain, also known as Tortugas Mountain, rises above the East Mesa to an elevation of 4,391 feet above sea level and is only 3 miles east of the university. One version of why it is known as Tortugas Mountain is because from a distance it resembles several turtles making their way across the desert.

History of “A” Mountain

In 1920, students from the New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts looked and found a proper location to display their school letter. On April 1, after students found the proper location, they found enough stones to form the visible letter and walked with 5-gallon cans of white paint which would make the letter stand out from a far distance.

For years the recoating of the “A” was an all-school effort. Now the “A” is taken care of by the Greek Council whenever it is need of a paintjob.

“A” Mountain tradition

Every December, the community members of Tortugas honor the Virgen de Guadalupe (Our Lady of Guadalupe) during a three day ceremony. It includes candlelight processions and traditional dancing within the Pueblo. There are hundreds of people who walk from the town up the mountain for a day long mass and blessing ceremony.

General rules

Here are some few general rules for about the area that you should know about.

* Trails are closed to motorized use.

*Pets must be on a leash and under control.

*Do not harm, harass or remove wildlife.

*Do not dig or remove plants, plant parts, rocks or artifacts.

For more information about the area, please contact the Bureau of Land Management at 575-525-4300.