The op asked for thoughts and comments so here goes. I live an hours drive from the Caballo mts and have been exploring them for years. I have followed all the numerous threads about them here and other webs, newspaper articles, etc. I will leave the question of man made or natural spire to others. I do not wish to be contentious, but I couldn't help but notice in post #11 there was a pic of a saguaro cactus. There are NO saguaro cacti anywhere in New Mexico, much less the Caballo mts. Also, op stated he was standing next to a running stream when he took the pics. I have never seen a running stream there and neither has anyone else that I've talked to over the years. Of course, just because I've never seen one (other than rainwater runoff) doesn't mean there isn't one but that plus the saguaro makes me think that the pics were not taken in the Caballos. If the op could give some coordinates I would be happy to go, take pics, and offer my humble apologies.