Last updated on March 31st, 2026
In this guide we are sharing the best things to do in Southern New Mexico. Plus tips to help you plan your trip!
Southern New Mexico is often overlooked for the northern part of the state. But after exploring much of the region, we’ve realized it’s packed with some seriously cool places that deserve way more attention. New Mexico is nicknamed the “Land of Enchantment,” and it didn’t take us long to see why! The landscapes here are just so… well, enchanting!
In Southern New Mexico alone, you can explore caves hundreds of feet underground, wander through ancient cliff dwellings, hike rugged desert mountains, and sled down bright white gypsum sand dunes. You can even search for aliens in Roswell, soak in natural hot springs, and explore historic small towns. And of course, you’ll have plenty of chances to eat green chile on just about everything (did you know, the state grows over 50,000 tons of it every year?!).
In this guide, we’re sharing our absolute favorite things to do in Southern New Mexico. For each one, we’ll share exactly what we did, what made it memorable, along with helpful tips to help you plan your trip!
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Best Things to do in Southern New Mexico
1. Explore underground wonders at Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is easily one of the most unique places to visit in Southern New Mexico (and honestly, the entire country). This park is home to more than 119 caves that were formed over millions of years as acidic groundwater dissolved the limestone underground.
The main attraction here is the Big Room, which is the largest cave chamber in North America. It is absolutely massive, and you’ll get to see stalactites, stalagmites, and other crazy rock formations.
There are two ways to enter the cave. You can hike down the Natural Entrance Trail, which drops about 750 feet over 1.25 miles. Or you can take the elevator from the visitor center straight down to the Big Room. We chose to hike down and then take the elevator back up, which was a great way to experience both.
If you visit between late spring and early fall, the Bat Flight Program is also worth seeing. Every evening at sunset, thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bats fly out of the cave entrance to hunt for the night, which is really cool to see.
We put together a full one day guide to Carlsbad Caverns National Park that covers everything you need to know before you go. You can also watch our video from the trip to see just how massive the caverns really are!
2. Look for Aliens in Roswell
Roswell is one of the most famous places to visit in Southern New Mexico, thanks to the alleged UFO crash that happened here in 1947. The town has fully embraced its extraterrestrial reputation and it makes for a fun place to explore.
One of the best things to do is check out the UFO Spacewalk, which is an immersive experience that walks you through scenes inspired by the Roswell incident and classic alien lore. It’s definitely a bit trippy but super fun! Afterward, wander around downtown for a bit. There are kitschy alien themed storefronts, murals, and sculptures everywhere you look, and the photo ops are basically endless.
If you want to dive deep into the history, the International UFO Museum and Research Center is another big attraction in town. It has tons of exhibits, display panels, and even a research library focused on the famous 1947 crash. We’re always on the hunt for good local coffee, and we highly recommend popping into Stellar Coffee Co.
3. See the home of Smokey Bear in Capitan
The small town of Capitan is best known as the birthplace of Smokey Bear, the real bear cub. In 1950, a young black bear cub was rescued from a wildfire in the nearby Lincoln National Forest. After recovering from his burns, he went on to become the living symbol behind the Smokey Bear campaign.
Today you can visit the Smokey Bear Historical Park to learn the full story. The park has exhibits about Smokey’s life, the history of wildfire prevention, and even the spot where Smokey Bear is buried.
While Capitan itself is a very small town, we think it makes a fun and interesting stop if you are road tripping through Southern New Mexico.
4. Try a green chile cheeseburger
One thing we always look forward to eating in New Mexico is a green chile cheeseburger. It’s one of the state’s most iconic foods and you will find it on menus all across Southern New Mexico.
One of our favorite spots for a green chile cheeseburger is Oso Grill in Capitan. This small roadside restaurant has won the award for the best green chile cheeseburger in New Mexico multiple times. And after trying it ourselves we can see why! The burger was super flavorful and the green chile had the perfect amount of heat. Plus it had crispy green chiles on top, which is a delicious twist!
Another great place to try one is Sparky’s in Hatch, a roadside restaurant in the town known as the “Chile Capital of the World.” Along with their burgers, the restaurant is also known for its fun sculptures outside.
5. Enjoy winter sports in Ruidoso or Cloudcroft
If you are visiting Southern New Mexico in the winter, the mountain towns of Ruidoso and Cloudcroft are two of the best places to enjoy snow and colder weather. Both towns sit at higher elevations in the mountains, which means they often get snow while the surrounding desert stays dry.
In Ruidoso, you can ski or snowboard at Ski Apache, which sits on the slopes of Sierra Blanca and is one of the most popular ski areas in the state. If skiing is not your thing, Ruidoso Winter Park is a really fun spot for tubing.
About an hour away, Cloudcroft is another great mountain town to visit in the winter. Here you can ski or go tubing at Ski Cloudcroft, which is a smaller and more laid back ski area.
6. Hike in the Sierra Blanca Mountains
If you want a break from the desert landscapes found in much of Southern New Mexico, the Sierra Blanca Mountains near Ruidoso are a great place to go hiking! This area sits at a higher elevation and is covered in beautiful pine forest, which makes it feel completely different from the surrounding desert.
One hike we really enjoyed is Moon Mountain Majesty. This trail climbs through the forest and eventually opens up to some really nice views over Ruidoso and the surrounding mountains.
Another good option nearby is the Grindstone Canyon Loop. This hike follows a creek through a canyon area and loops through the forest near Grindstone Lake. Cedar Creek Loop is another popular trail in the area if you’re looking for a longer hike through shaded forest with more views!
If you want the views without the hike, there are also a couple great lookout spots nearby. Windy Point Vista offers sweeping views of the mountains and valley below, while Monjeau Lookout is a historic stone fire lookout tower where you can climb to the top for views of the Sierra Blanca range.
7. Check out Southern New Mexico Most Charming Small Towns
While Southern New Mexico is known for its wide open desert landscapes, it’s also home to a couple of really charming mountain towns!
Just a few minutes from Las Cruces is Old Mesilla. This town has so much history (it’s actually where Billy the Kid was once on trial). You can walk around the adobe buildings and pop into the local boutiques and art galleries. If you’re hungry, stop at La Posta de Mesilla. It’s located in a historic 1800s stagecoach station and has such a cool atmosphere with a literal aviary inside! Then, grab a coffee at Indulgence’s and enjoy the view of the San Albino Basilica on the north side of the plaza.
Ruidoso is a bit more of a bustling mountain town with a super lively main street filled with restaurants, shops, and cafes. We enjoyed grabbing a bag of coffee at Roots Ruidoso and buttermilk pie at The Village Buttery. The pizza at Cafe Rio is said to be delicious as well. If you’re up for a scenic drive, definitely head up Ski Run Road and stop at Windy Point Vista, for some beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
About an hour away is Cloudcroft, which is a bit quieter and more laid back. The small downtown area along Burro Avenue is fun to walk around, with a handful of shops and restaurants. One of our favorite stops here was Mad Jack’s Mountaintop Barbecue (more on that soon)! We also loved stopping at Black Bear Coffee Shop and Cloudcroft Brewing Company before exploring more of the area.
8. Attend a Chuckwagon Supper and Western Stage Show
If you’re visiting the Ruidoso area and want a fun evening activity, Flying J Ranch is such a great place to check out! This local ranch puts on a Chuckwagon supper and Western stage show that gives you a little taste of Old West culture in the mountains of Southern New Mexico.
The evening starts with time to explore the small western style village on the property. There are a few shops to pop into, live music playing, and different activities that make it feel like you stepped into an old frontier town.
After that, everyone gathers for a Chuckwagon style dinner, with classic western favorites like barbecue, beans, and cornbread. Once dinner wraps up, the night ends with a live Western music show filled with guitars, fiddles, and plenty of cowboy humor.
9. Eat New Mexico’s best BBQ
If you make it to Cloudcroft, one stop we highly recommend is Mad Jack’s Mountaintop Barbecue. This small restaurant has built a big reputation and is widely known for serving some of the BEST barbecue in New Mexico.
Mad Jack’s specializes in Texas style barbecue, with smoked brisket, ribs, sausage, and a handful of classic sides. The brisket is the star of the menu and it is incredibly tender and flavorful.
One thing to know before you go is that they are only open a few days a week and they close once they sell out. Because of this, it is a good idea to get there early!
10. Hike to an old railroad trestle
If you are exploring Cloudcroft, one hike we recommend is the Old Cloudcroft Highway Trail Loop. This 2.3 mile trail follows sections of an old railroad corridor that once carried lumber through the Sacramento Mountains.
The absolute highlight of this hike is the Mexican Canyon Trestle. This massive wooden railroad bridge was built in 1899 and stretches over 300 feet across the canyon! Seeing the scale of it in person is seriously impressive, and it’s easily one of the most unique historic structures we’ve seen in Southern New Mexico.
11. Get pistachio treats at Pistachioland
If you’re driving through Alamogordo, one stop that is pretty hard to miss is Pistachioland! This roadside attraction is home to the World’s Largest Pistachio, which is a giant 30 foot tall sculpture that sits right along the highway.
Of course, the big pistachio makes for a fun photo, but the real reason to visit (in our opinion) is for all the pistachio treats! Inside the country store, you can try all kinds of pistachio snacks, including roasted pistachios in a ton of different flavors, pistachio candy, fudge, and even homemade pistachio ice cream! We’re always down for a unique local snack, and this place definitely delivers.
You can also take a short tour of the orchards if you want to learn more about how pistachios are grown in this part of New Mexico.
12. Play in the sand at White Sands National Park
Visiting White Sands National Park is one of the most memorable things to do in Southern New Mexico. It is truly unlike anywhere else in the state! The park is filled with rolling white gypsum sand dunes that stretch for miles, with mountains in every direction. It’s also a really fun park to explore since you are free to climb the dunes and go sledding. Plus it’s dog friendly! We always love when Kona can join us in a national park, so that is a huge perk here!
If you want to hike, there are several short and easy trails to check out! The Interdune Boardwalk is one of our favorites if you want to learn how the dunes formed and see the plants and animals that manage to survive in this harsh environment. The Playa Trail is another great hike that shows what this area looked like around 10,000 years ago. And the Alkali Flat Trail takes you out to the remnants of Lake Otero, a massive lake that filled this entire area during the last Ice Age.
If you want help planning your visit, check out our full guide to White Sands National Park. We share exactly what to do, when to visit, and tips to help you plan your trip!
13. Go to the Las Cruces Farmers Market
If you are visiting Las Cruces, one thing we highly recommend checking out is the Las Cruces Farmers and Crafts Market. This market is held every Wednesday and Saturday morning from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM in the downtown area. It’s actually considered one of the best farmers markets in the entire country!
The market stretches across several blocks and has nearly 300 vendors, which means there is a lot to see. You’ll find everything from fresh produce, local food, handmade crafts, gorgeous artwork, and live music throughout the market.
14. Enjoy local New Mexico eats
One of the absolute best parts about visiting Southern New Mexico is the food! The region is known for New Mexican cuisine, which features dishes packed with flavor and, of course, lots of green chile. Just be ready for the question you will hear everywhere in New Mexico: “red or green?” This refers to which type of chile you want on your food. If you can’t decide, you can always say “Christmas” to get a little bit of both!
If you are in Las Cruces, two great places we highly recommend trying chile are Habanero’s Fresh Mex and La Nueva Casita Café. Both of these restaurants serve classic New Mexican staples like enchiladas, burritos, and plates covered in chile. It’s the perfect way to get a true taste of the local culture, and we honestly couldn’t get enough of it!
15. Hike in the Organ Mountains
If you enjoy hiking, Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument is easily one of the best places to visit in Southern New Mexico! These mountains are so dramatic and are named for their jagged peaks that resemble the pipes of an organ. There are tons of hiking options in the Organ Mountains depending on how much time you have, but a few of our favorites are located right near Las Cruces.
If you’re looking for a classic hike with some history, check out Dripping Springs Natural Area. The Dripping Springs Trail is a 3-mile hike that takes you past old livery stable ruins and an abandoned mountain resort. It ends at a “weeping” wall of rock that usually has a bit of water dripping down, hence the name!
For something a bit more rugged, we highly recommend the Baylor Canyon Pass Trail. This 4 mile hike has some of the most incredible views of the surrounding mountains (and one of our favorite campsites in New Mexico!). This trail winds through all kinds of desert scenery filled with rocky ridges, tons of cactus, and gorgeous views of the basin below.
16. Check out the colorful Silver City
Located in southwestern New Mexico, Silver City is such a gem of a historic mountain town, sitting at about 6,000 feet in elevation in the foothills of the Pinos Altos Mountains. The town originally boomed in the late 1800s after silver was discovered in the area, bringing thousands of miners here.
Today, it’s one of the most charming small towns to visit in this part of the state. We had the best time exploring the historic downtown. It’s filled with colorful murals, adobe buildings, old brick storefronts, and beautiful Victorian era homes scattered throughout the area.
We absolutely loved stopping at Tranquilbuzz Coffee House for coffee and we grabbed a meal at Corner Kitchen, which ended up being one of our favorite restaurants in town.
17. Explore the Gila Cliff Dwellings
One of the most fascinating places to visit in Southern New Mexico is the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. Here, you can see ancient cliff dwellings that were built by the Mogollon people over 700 years ago, tucked into natural caves along the canyon walls.
To see them, you’ll hike a short one mile loop trail that climbs up the canyon and into the caves where the dwellings sit. The trail crosses a few bridges, winds through the canyon, and up wooden ladders before reaching the cliffs.
Once you get to the caves, you can actually walk through several of the rooms, which makes this a really cool experience. It is pretty amazing to stand inside these structures and imagine what life was like here centuries ago!
18. Soak in hot springs in the Gila National Forest
The Gila National Forest is easily one of the wildest and most rugged places in all of New Mexico! This massive forest is filled with deep canyons, winding rivers, and ancient cliff dwellings. It’s also home to some incredible natural hot springs that were created by volcanic activity millions of years ago. These springs have actually been used for generations, dating all the way back to the Mogollon people who once lived in this region.
Two of the most popular hot spring options near the Gila Cliff Dwellings are Jordan Hot Spring and Lightfeather Hot Spring. Both require a bit of a hike to reach, but the reward is a peaceful soak surrounded by canyon walls and forest scenery. For something easier, head to the Gila Hot Springs Campground!
A really cool thing about these is that they are often called “sweet springs” because the water doesn’t have that super strong sulfur smell you find at a lot of other hot springs.
19. Grab homemade ice cream at Doc Campbell’s Post
If you are visiting the Gila Cliff Dwellings, make sure to stop at Doc Campbell’s Post on the way! This small outpost has been serving travelers and hikers in the Gila for decades.
Since the Continental Divide Trail runs nearby, the store carries a surprising amount of supplies for thru hikers, along with snacks, drinks, and basic gear. But the real highlight here is the homemade ice cream! It is so creamy and delicious, and it’s the perfect treat to look forward to after a long day of hiking.
20. Wander through the Catwalk Recreation Area
Another really fun stop in this region is the Catwalk National Recreation Trail. This trail is unique because it follows a narrow canyon and includes a metal walkway that hangs above the rushing creek below.
The walkway was originally built on top of a pipeline that once carried water to a nearby ore processing plant during the area’s mining days in the 1890s. You can even see some of the old ruins from the mill near the parking area!
21. See the Milky Way at Cosmic Campground
If you enjoy stargazing, Cosmic Campground, located 12 miles north of Glenwood, is one of the best places to visit in Southern New Mexico. This remote campground is an International Dark Sky Sanctuary and was actually the first dark sky sanctuary located on National Forest land in North America. Because there is almost no light pollution in the area, it is one of the best places in the country to see the Milky Way!
22. Soak in a natural hot spring in Truth or Consequences
Besides the hot springs in the Gila National Forest, you can also find some in Truth or Consequences (yes, that really is the town name!). This little town is famous for its natural hot springs, and there are 10 bathhouses where you can rent a private tub filled with mineral rich water.
If you’re visiting in the summer, head just a few minutes north to Elephant Butte Lake State Park. It’s the largest reservoir in New Mexico and is a great place for boating, fishing, and even just hanging out on the sandy “beaches.”
Planning your trip to Southern New Mexico
How to get to Southern New Mexico
The best airport to fly into depends on which part of Southern New Mexico you plan to explore first.
El Paso International Airport (ELP): This is our top recommendation! It’s actually the closest major airport to Southern New Mexico, located just 45 minutes from Las Cruces. If you’re heading straight to White Sands or Carlsbad Caverns, fly here to save hours of driving.
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ): As the state’s largest airport, this usually has the most flight options. It’s about a 3-hour drive south to reach the region, making it a great choice if you’re planning a longer road trip through the whole state.
Getting Around Southern New Mexico
To really experience the magic of the Land of Enchantment, you are definitely going to want a car! Public transportation is pretty limited here, and many of the best stops on our list are spread far apart or tucked away at the end of long, scenic backroads.
For most of the national parks, main towns, and paved scenic drives, a standard rental car will work just fine.
However, if you’re planning to head deep into the Gila National Forest, camp on public land, or explore some of the more rugged dirt roads, we highly recommend a high-clearance vehicle. (Some of those forest roads can get a little bumpy!)
New Mexico is also an absolute dream for van life. There is so much public land and incredible free camping options throughout the southern half of the state. If you’re thinking about renting a campervan for your trip, we actually have a full guide over on Stoked to Camp that breaks down our favorite campervan rental companies in the US!
Best time to visit Southern New Mexico
Southern New Mexico is truly a year-round destination, but if we had to pick, the window from late fall through spring is our favorite. Much of the region has a desert climate, so the temperatures during these months are much more comfortable for exploring!
Spring (March–May): This is easily one of the best times to visit. The weather is beautiful across the region, making it the perfect time for hiking in White Sands or the Organ Mountains before the summer heat really kicks in.
Summer (June–August): Summers can be very hot in the desert areas of Southern New Mexico. Because of this, it is a great time to head to higher elevation destinations like Cloudcroft, Ruidoso, and the Gila National Forest, where the temperatures are cooler and perfect for mountain hikes.
Fall (September–November): Another one of our absolute favorite times to explore! Temperatures begin to cool down, crowds thin out, and the mountain areas can have beautiful fall colors. Plus, it’s peak green chile season!
Winter (December–February): Winter is quieter and can be surprisingly beautiful in Southern New Mexico. Desert areas like Las Cruces and White Sands often have mild weather, while mountain towns like Cloudcroft and Ruidoso can get snow and offer winter activities like skiing and tubing. Some higher elevation roads and trails may be snowy or icy though.
Save this guide with the best things to do in Southern New Mexico
about the author
This blog post was written by our writer Nicoll. Learn a bit about her below!
After six years of full-time travel, Nicoll is now a mountain-loving mama living in Colorado with her husband Jake, their sweet baby girl Teagan, and their pup Gunner. She loves hiking, riding her dirt bike, and finding joy in the little things.