Las Cruces is one of those hidden little cities, that if you didn’t know about it, you might miss it, and that would be an absolute shame.
I found out about Las Cruces about seven years ago when my parents moved there for the warmer weather, and it has become a favorite place to visit ever since.
Nestled between the Organ Mountains and the Rio Grande in the Mesilla Valley, Las Cruces is home to about 117,000 people and is the perfect place to enjoy a slower pace of life, balanced with a vibrant culture and stunning natural landscapes. It is also the perfect base camp for discovering the nearby towns and national park.
I am so excited to share this place with you, so let’s dive right in:
Natural Wonders
Located along the Rio Grande in the northern part of the Chihuahuan Desert, Las Cruces is perfectly situated to showcase stark desert beauty against a lush agricultural and mountainous landscape. Because of this, some of my favorite pastimes in Las Cruces include going for late afternoon or evening drives, enjoying the brilliant sunsets, and exploring White Sands National Park.
Dripping Springs Natural Area
Most often, my afternoon drive will find its way to Dripping Springs. It is my first go to spot when I want to enjoy the outdoors while escaping the summer heat. Just 14 miles east of the city center, Drippings Springs offers over four miles of hiking trails, multiple picnic tables, and a visitor center with restrooms and informational displays about the Organ Mountains. There an entrance fee for the area ($5 per vehicle, per day), but because it is a National Monument and managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), this fee is covered by a National Parks pass, which you can purchase at the local BLM Office or any National Park.
My favorite activity at Dripping Springs has to be watching the hummingbirds from the Visitor Center’s front porch. If you are lucky enough to visit at the right time of year, you can see dozens of them flitting about between the feeders and the nearby bushes and trees. I can’t help but laugh as they bicker with each other and jockey for position on the feeders.
Pecan Orchards
If you enjoy a calm evening drive as much as I do, then cruising down State Highway 28 during the evening Golden Hour cannot be beat. You will be flanked on both sides by miles of Pecan Orchards, with the warm sunlight filtering through row upon row of lush Pecan trees.
Starting in Las Cruces and following the Avenida de Mesilla as it courses through the historic town of Mesilla and turns into Highway 28, you can enjoy this scenic drive all the way down past the Texas boarder before finding your way back to I-10 near Canutillo and heading back to Las Cruces.
Roadrunner Overlook
Another favorite spot of mine is what I refer to as the Roadrunner Overlook. It is a rest area off of I-10 just west of town, but it has the best view of Las Cruces. I love grabbing a frozen custard from Caliche’s and heading up to the overlook to watch the sun set. You get this beautiful view of the valley with I-10 lining up to point straight at the Organ mountains. And if you are lucky enough to be in Las Cruces for the 4th of July, it is also the best place to watch all the fireworks.
Now you may be asking, what does any of this have to do with a roadrunner? Well, this rest area is also home to a fantastic piece of mixed media artwork that is made entirely out of recycled materials. Standing at about 20 feet tall this roadrunner sculpture by local artist Olin Calk, is composed of old keyboards, crutches, shoes, cell phones, and more.
White Sands National Park
About an hour east of Las Cruces on State Highway 70 is the uniquely majestic White Sands National Park. Comprised of over 200 square miles of Gypsum dune-fields, White Sands offers up an otherworldly landscape that is sure to pique your interest. Whether you enjoy hiking, backcountry camping, photography, or just a leisurely drive into the heart of the park, White Sands is something you need to experience at least once in your lifetime. My personal recommendation is to get there right as the park opens, this gives you plenty of time to explore before the heat of the day hits, and early morning shadows highlight the intricate patterns and waves in the sand.
Special Note on Exploring the Outdoors in Las Cruces:
While Las Cruces and the surrounding areas are full of beautiful landscapes and natural wonders, it is important to make sure you explore responsibly. That means being prepared (ensuring you have enough water, food, sunscreen, etc.) and being respectful by following the Leave No Trace principles. For more information on what to expect while enjoying the great outdoors, check out this informative video from Visit Las Cruces.
Main Street
The historic Main Street of Las Cruces is still alive and thriving with shops, restaurants, museums, and the Plaza De Las Cruces. This cultural epicenter is home to the weekly Farmers Market, seasonal events, and my favorite local coffee stop.
Farmers and Crafts Market
Started back in 1971, this farmers market now in the heart of downtown Las Cruces as grown to encompass seven blocks of Main Street and features nearly 300 rotating vendors. Held year round on Saturday mornings, Farmers and Crafts Market of Las Cruces is one of my favorite ways to experience Las Cruces. I love getting to peruse the vendor booths that include a variety of wares, everything from art and jewelry, to deliciously pungent food. So if you are looking for lively morning event full of food, fun, dog-watching, this pet-friendly market is a great option.
Grounded
When I tell you that this cozy lounge has quickly become a non-negotiable stop every time I visit Las Cruces, I mean it. Although I may have found Grounded while searching for a cute little coffee shop, they are so much more than just a good Americano. With a vast menu and inviting atmosphere, you could easily come for your morning coffee and breakfast, and end up staying for lunch.
My personal favorite is to start my day at Grounded, ordering up an Americano with their house made Cardamon Maple syrup, and their Sourdough Everything Bagel. Once I grab my order, I love heading back to their little courtyard; sitting next to the fountain and enjoying the sights and sounds as the surrounding shops open up and people filter by. And if you are a bird watcher like me, you will relish the antics of all our feathered friends (courtesy of the aforementioned fountain, which acts like a bird magnet in the desert).
Upcoming Events
In addition to my year round favorites, here are some exciting upcoming annual events that you can also consider when planning your trip to Las Cruces:
Fourth of July Electric Light Parade
Start your Independence Day celebrations the night before with this festive family friendly parade, featuring a variety of cars and floats cruising down the Las Cruces thoroughfares.
Family Day at Taylor-Mesilla Historical Site
Located on Mesilla Plaza, the Taylor-Mesilla Historical Site consists of two store fronts and a large historic residence that offers visitors a fantastic opportunity to learn about the history, culture, and architecture of Mesilla. Family Day is a special event celebrating the region of Mesilla with music, dancing, and family friendly activities, all in honor of J. Paul Taylor’s birthday.
Hatch Chile Festival
The Hatch Chile Festival is held every year over Labor Day weekend and includes everything from a parade and carnival, to eating contests. Come and enjoy live music, food, and festivities as the town of Hatch celebrates the chile they are know for.
Dia De Los Muertos
Celebrate the Dia de Los Muertos in the town of Mesilla, enjoying food, music, and festivities, including a precession to the cemetery starting at Mesilla Plaza.
Las Cruces Chile Drop
Forget Times Square, ring in the New Year with the Las Cruces Chile Drop. A night of food, music, and festivities, culminating at midnight with the Chile Drop. Come see this 19 foot glowing chile lower as you welcome in the new year.
Las Cruces, Final Thoughts
Between its natural wonders, charming downtown, and vibrant culture, Las Cruces has quickly worked its way into my heart and has become an absolute favorite place to visit. I genuinely love it so much and know you will too. So, if you ever find yourself in the Southwest, I hope you will come and experience this unique city.
Sojourn Nation 