Southwestern New Mexico
Southwestern New Mexico has maintained a Spanish flair since its early days of European settlement. Visit this frontier region that borders Mexico to discover its history and explore its rugged backcountry.
In the city of Socorro learn how the indigenous people of the region came to the aid of Spanish settlers who arrived here with no food. Study the rocks of the area at the informative New Mexico Tech Mineral Museum and play a few rounds at the New Mexico Tech Golf Course. Drive south from Socorro for just over 2 hours to reach Las Cruces, the state’s second-largest city. Visit the town’s New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum and Las Cruces Museum of Art.
Hike along the paths of the Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge in the scenic Albuquerque Basin. Drive across the roads that traverse the wetlands to see the desert plant garden beside the visitor’s center. Almost 400 species of bird have been observed in the park, including hawks, herons and vultures.
Visit the scenic city of Truth or Consequences, which takes its unusual name from a radio show. Wander through the lush river valley and rest your feet at one of the spas that use the region’s natural hot springs. Visit the fascinating Spaceport America for a glimpse into the future of space travel. Take a tour of the innovative terminals and learn about the race to make space travel feasible for everyone.
Just to the east of the town is Elephant Butte, which lies on a wide section of the Rio Grande, one of the largest rivers in the nation. Sunbathe on sandy lakeside beaches and go boating and fishing in Elephant Butte Lake State Park.
Try the spicy green and red chilies of New Mexican cuisine. Spanish is the first language for many in the state, so practice yours while ordering or bring a phrase book. Expect disparities between hot days and cold nights in this desert zone. Winters bring freezing evenings and snowfall.
Southwestern New Mexico comprises Socorro, Magdalena and the great expanses that lead to the Mexican border. Fly to Albuquerque International Airport and travel southwest by road, bus or rail to reach the region.