NOW ENTERING SUNSEEKER TERRITORY
Abundant in outdoor recreation, much of it centered around the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, spanning nearly 500,000 acres. Comprised of the Organ Mountains, Robledo Mountains, Sierra de las Uvas, Potrillo Mountains and Doña Ana Mountains, the opportunities for outdoor adventurers are endless. Popular areas include Aguirre Springs, Dripping Springs, Slot Canyon, Geronimo's Cave and the Doña Ana Arch.
Las Cruces is also home to Prehistoric Trackways National Monument and several state parks. There are opportunities to hike, bike, off road, horseback ride, birdwatch and hunt.
Heard of sand sledding? There is no better place to try it than at nearby White Sands National Park. Less than an hour east of Las Cruces, the park is renowned for its white gypsum dunes and nearly 230 sq. mi. for recreating. There are several trails to trek and programs offered by the park to learn more about the otherworldly destination. Popular activities include Full Moon Hikes, Sunset Strolls, Full Moon Nights (live music and family fun), picnicking and camping.
BOLD FLAVORS
Las Cruces cuisine is infused with bold flavors made with centuries old recipes. Branch out across Las Cruces and Mesilla to experience the comfort food that highlights the region’s warm, welcoming spirit— enchiladas (red, green or Christmas?), paletas, tamales, agua frescas and more! Feeling adventurous? Trek the Green Chile Trail a look at the area’s unique spicy offerings. Sip your way through the country’s oldest wine-producing region with help from the Las Cruces Wine Trail. Feeling something less traditional, there’s plenty of local spots that have become favorites among locals like a French bakery, multiple pizza spots, Italian, Mediterranean, frozen custard, gelato and others.
ARTS AND CULTURE
Las Cruces is a vibrant and diverse hub of art and culture. From its lively downtown scene to its renowned museums, Las Cruces offers something for every art lover. The city's rich cultural heritage is reflected in its many galleries, murals, public art displays, theater productions, and cultural centers, which showcase the work of local and international artists alike.
Visiting downtown? There are several city museums lining the streets, along with local galleries and vibrant murals.
Agriculture is a major industry in southern New Mexico and carries an intriguing story that spans 4,000 years.
Southern New Mexico is home to the Chile Capital of the World, Hatch, NM, which is less than an hour from Las Cruces. The Chile Pepper Institute, located in Las Cruces, is the only international, non-profit organization devoted to the education and research of chile peppers. The region itself is famous for 32,000 acres of pecan orchards, its productions of cotton, onions, hay, hay, corn and more.
As one of the most prominent Las Cruces attractions, the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum shares this history with visitors of all ages through exhibits, hands-on activities, livestock and live demonstrations.
GATEWAY TO THE FUTURE
Alongside unwavering tradition, Las Cruces has close connections to space tourism as the gateway to Spaceport America. With tenants like Virgin Galactic, it’s home to historical accomplishments in the commercial spaceflight industry. Not only is the region a gateway to the future of space flight, but a link to the advancements made in the past.
