If you’re interested in learning more about Las Cruces, New Mexico, you’ve come to the right place. The city is an agricultural hub, home to the state’s only land-grant university. The federal government is the city’s largest employer, with the White Sands Missile Range and Test Facility located in the city. The area’s landscape features the Organ Mountains, Dona Ana Mountains, and Robledo Mountain ranges.
Those looking for a great hike should take the Soledad Canyon Loop. This scenic hike features the ruins of Van Patten’s Dripping Springs resort, which was built in the early 1870s. You’ll enjoy the pristine views of the city, as well as the waterfall. To reach the trailhead, take University Avenue and Soledad Canyon Road. You’ll find the trail on the right. For other hikes, take the Pine Tree Trail in Aguirre Springs National Recreation Area.
Another popular place to spend your vacation is a day at the local park. The city has four national parks within easy reach of the city, including the White Sands National Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, and the Guadalupe Mountains National Park. You can get an America the Beautiful annual pass for $80 that gives you free entrance to all four national parks. The newest of the parks, White Sands National Park, was just established in December 2019. This park features scenic hiking trails through gypsum sand dunes and backcountry camping.
Mountain biking is another popular activity in Las Cruces. The city’s mountain parks offer many hiking trails, and there are 15 miles of mountain biking trails. There are also seven miles of horseback trails. Beginners should consider taking the Southern trails, which are longer and less technical, while more experienced riders should try the Northern ones. Depending on your skill level, you may want to try the latter. Then, choose the right trail for your skill level and enjoy the scenery.
Winters in Las Cruces are mild, with only light rainfall. Light freezes occur on average of 69 nights. Spring months are often windy and may cause dust storms. Summers feature high temperatures and humidity, with many afternoon thunderstorms. Autumn features decreasing temperatures and precipitation. The weather in Las Cruces is reminiscent of the desert. A trip to Las Cruces isn’t complete without a visit to the City of Rocks.
Street art in Las Cruces tells the story of a city, and is a fantastic way to experience the community’s culture and history. The city is home to some amazing murals by world-renowned artists like Georgia O’Keeffe and Prince. The city’s historic water towers also have artistic designs that showcase the city’s culture and history. Whether you are interested in art or history, you’ll enjoy a visit to Las Cruces, New Mexico!
Near Las Cruces, New Mexico, the Organ Mountains are located east of the city. This 500,000-acre monument is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The Organ Mountains have over 9,000 feet of spires that resemble the pipes of an organ. The city is home to a variety of museums and galleries dedicated to the study of natural and man-made structures. You can even visit a local art museum and sample some zesty New Mexican cuisine.