18 Reasons Everyone Should Visit Southern New Mexico
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Juliet White
Author
When most people visit New Mexico, they arrive at the Sunport in Albuquerque or they cut through the middle of the state on I-40. From there, they frequently explore tourist hotspots like Santa Fe and Taos, overlooking Southern New Mexico. That’s a pity because they’re missing out! Here are some of our favorite, super fun things to do in southern New Mexico. How many have you done already?
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA
Although New Mexico has an abundance of state monuments, Carlsbad Caverns is our only national park. Then again it’s so awesome that we don’t really need another one. Perhaps it’s already on your bucket list, but did you know about the bat flights? The optimal times of year to view the free-tailed bats are in August and September. Want to stretch your legs? We love these Carlsbad Cavern hiking trails.
White Sands National Park, New Mexico, USA
Even out-of-state tourists have heard of White Sands National Monument. But there’s more to this area than you might realize. In addition to hiking or sledding on gypsum dunes, don’t miss the White Sands Missile Range. You can wander through a fascinating collection of missiles and rockets that were tested here and learn about them at the missile museum. This is an active military base, so allow time to go through security – bring ID.
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International UFO Museum and Research Center and Gift Shop, 114 N Main St, Roswell, NM 88203, USA
Sure, the Roswell Incident put this city on the map. But, when you’ve finished visiting the International UFO Museum, head on over to the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art. The museum offers a great, varied collection of contemporary art created by fellows from the Roswell Artist In Residence program.
NRAO Very Large Array, Old Hwy 60, Magdalena, NM 87825, USA
If a visit to Roswell has left you with questions about the universe, stop here to view an astronomical radio observatory that is providing us with some of the answers. You can get surprisingly close to at least one of these 27 massive radio antennas located near the town of Magdalena known as the Very Large Array.
The town Truth or Consequences changed its name to that of a popular radio show. But, before the switch, it was called Hot Springs and it remains a great place to soak. Riverbend Hot Springs (pictured) is a particular scenic resort or, if you prefer primitive hot springs, trek out to Middle Fork (also called Lightfeather) Hot Springs in the Gila Wilderness. Turns out, there are lots of hot springs in New Mexico.
Speaking of the Gila Wilderness, did you know that it was the world’s first official wilderness area? It’s also the largest wilderness area in our state. If you’re not close to Gila, the Lincoln National Forest (pictured) also offers plenty of recreational opportunities.
Whether you’re seeking seclusion, unique experiences or a challenging hike, you’ll find a trail to fit the bill in southern New Mexico. Hike through Rattlesnake Canyon (in Carlsbad Caverns National Park), attempt the Dog Canyon trail (near Alamogordo), or take the Pine Tree Trail for views of the Organ Mountains. Come see why these are some of our favorite hiking trails in New Mexico!
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City of Rocks State Park, 327 NM-61, Faywood, NM 88034, USA
Bottomless Lakes State Park, 545A Bottomless Lakes Rd, Roswell, NM 88201, USA
Pancho Villa State Park, 400 NM-9, Columbus, NM 88029, USA
Some of the most interesting state parks in New Mexico are in the southern portion of our state. City of Rocks State Park allows you to weave between boulders up to 40 feet high. Bottomless Lakes State Park is the ideal place to cool off during the summer months. And, if you’re in search of something a little different, check out Pancho Villa State Park (pictured) and immerse yourself in history.
Speaking of history…it’s one thing to learn about gunslingers in a classroom setting. It’s quite another to stroll through the incredibly well preserved town of Lincoln, which is so authentic that you expect Billy the Kid to swagger down the street at any moment!
Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, 455 3 Rivers Rd, Tularosa, NM 88352, USA
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, 26 Jim Bradford Trail, Mimbres, NM 88049, USA
Places like the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site (in Tularosa) and Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument take you even further back in time.
The Museum of Space History, 3198 State Rte 2001, Alamogordo, NM 88310, USA
Regardless of whether you think the Spaceport was worth the money, it’s intriguing to see the future of space travel. You can also learn how we got to a point where space tourism is a possibility (for some) at the New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo. Fun fact: Ham the Astrochimp is buried at the International Space Hall of Fame in the same complex. In 1961, he was the first humanoid to ever travel into space.
Smokey Bear Historical Park, 118 Smokey Bear Blvd, Capitan, NM 88316, USA
New Mexico was home to another famous animal. Smokey Bear isn’t just the furry face of fire safety. He was a real bear cub that was rescued from the Capitan Gap Fire in 1950. He too is buried in New Mexico at Smokey Bear Historical Park.
Hillcrest Park Zoo, 1208 N Norris St, Clovis, NM 88101, USA
To appreciate some of our state's current animal residents, consider a visit to Hillcrest Park Zoo. You probably haven’t heard of this zoo in Clovis because it’s not in one of our country’s biggest cities, but it’s a great little place with a wide variety of animals and chatty keepers.
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Bingham, NM 87832, USA
…but Bosque del Apache is THE place to spot wildlife in New Mexico year round.
Basilica of San Albino, 2280 Calle Principal, Mesilla, NM 88046, USA
San Miguel Chapel, 401 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
The San Miguel Mission in Socorro (pictured) and the Basilica of San Albino in Mesilla are especially beautiful.
Santa Rita Copper Mines Historical Marker, Hanover, NM 88041, USA
Southern New Mexico is littered with mining ghost towns like Mogollon and Shakespeare, along with dramatic sights such as the Chino Mine in Santa Rita (pictured), which used to be the biggest open-pit mine in the world.
Artists’ colonies are flourishing in teeny towns like Hillsboro and larger artistic hotspots such as Silver City. Pictured: Aspace Studio Art Gallery in Silver City.
Rebecca's, 601 Corona Pl, Cloudcroft, NM 88317, USA
Rio Grande Winery, 5321 NM-28, Las Cruces, NM 88005, USA
From haunted restaurants like Rebecca’s At The Lodge in Cloudcroft, to the Rio Grande Vineyard and Winery in Las Cruces, you’ll find plenty of fun foodie hangouts on your travels through southern New Mexico.
What are your favorite things to do in southern New Mexico? Tell us yours in the comments below! Getting hungry on your adventures? Make sure to stop at this tiny general store.
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More to Explore
Things to Do in New Mexico
What are some must-do southern New Mexico attractions?
New Mexico is a fun state to hang out in, that’s for sure. No matter if you live here or you’re just visiting, you’re sure to find plenty of amazing things to do in southern New Mexico that’ll make you fall in love with the Land of Enchantment. Some of our favorite must-do southern New Mexico attractions include:
- Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness
- Paliza Goblin Colony
- Red Rock Park
- Rio Grande River
- Shiprock Monument
- Soda Dam
- El Malpais National Monument
What are some great places to visit in southern New Mexico?
Okay, so, what are some other great places to visit in Southern New Mexico? Once you’re done at Roswell, there’s still plenty to do:
- White Sands National Park is a hidden gem whose otherworldly landscape will make you feel as if you’re somewhere far away from here; you can even hike, bike, or sled the dunes!
- Interested in the natural wonders of New Mexico after your White Sands visit and need more? Be sure to also check out the Valley of Fires Recreation Area, which will be loved by geology geeks and volcano fanatics everywhere.
What is there to do in southern New Mexico?
In a couple of words? SO MUCH! You can find several different types of environments here:
- If you’re craving a mountain getaway, run away to Ski Apache in Alto. Even if it’s not snowy, you’ll find all kinds of amazing things to do up there. When it is snowy, though, we think it’s at its best.
- Another fun thing to do in southern New Mexico is the old, legendary Flying J Ranch, an old-west showcase that’ll take you back in time to the days when cowboys roamed the land. It’s open during the summer through Labor Day, so when Ski Apache is slow in summer, Flying J is the place to be.
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