Las Cruces was founded in 1849 near a stand of crosses marking the graves of travelers and soldiers (thus the name Las Cruces). U.S. Army surveyors divided Las Cruces into blocks measured with a rawhide rope. After the survey, the families drew lots to determine which property they would own. Las Cruces started as a farming town.

Nearby Mesilla was founded in 1851, but because it served as a stop on the Butterfield Overland Mail Company stage route, it quickly grew to twice the size of Las Cruces.

In the late 1860s, the cattle business dominated the area. The San Augustin Ranch was established in the Organ Mountains, which was expanded to 150,000 acres. The federal government in 1945 used eminent domain to take over the Ranch as part of the White Sands Missile Range.

In the late 1800's, the lawless wild west New Mexico frontier set the stage for New Mexico's most notorious outlaw, Billy the Kid. Billy the Kid was finally captured and jailed in La Mesilla. A La Mesilla jury sentenced him to hang in Lincoln County, but he escaped from Lincoln County jail and was ultimately shot by Sheriff Pat Garrett.

Las Cruces became the dominant town in the county in the 1880's when the railroad came to town. The first paved street in town, Depot Street (now Las Cruces Avenue), led from the railroad tracks to town.

In 1889, the New Mexico legislature created a land grant college - the New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. In June 1894, five diplomas were awarded to the college's first graduating class. In 1960, the college's name was changed to New Mexico State University.

After sixty-two years as a territory, New Mexico became the 47th state on January 6, 1912.

At the turn of the century, floods and drought threatened the economic stability of agriculture in the Mesilla Valley. In 1916, the Elephant Butte Dam, at that time the largest of its kind in the world, was completed, giving farmers a stable water supply for their crops. Today, agriculture still an important part of the county's economy.

During World War II, 1800 men of the New Mexico National Guard were sent to the Philippines in 1941. The islands fell to the Japanese in April 1942. Taken prisoner, the American troops were forced to march more than sixty miles through intense heat with almost no water or food. Known as the Bataan Death March, less than half of the prisoners survived. Of the thirty-one soldiers from the Las Cruces area on the March, only fourteen survived. In 2001, the Bataan Death March Memorial Monument was dedicated and sculpted by Las Cruces artist Kelly Hester. It is the only federally funded monument dedicated to the victims of the Bataan Death March during WWII.

In 1945, the White Sands Missile Range was established as a missile testing range. German Scientist, Wernher Von Braun, led the US army's Army's Ballistic Missile Program. The 3,200 square mile White Sands Missile Range is one of the largest military installations in the country.

Las Cruces has grown from 12,000 in 1950 to 92,000 in 2009. Las Cruces has received nationwide recognition as being "Ranked the Best" small metro area to do business (Forbes/Milken Institute), and the top area in the U.S. to retire (Money Magazine).

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The Branigan Cultural Center's historic collection includes costumes and accessories, furniture, portraits, textiles, toys and dolls, correspondence, and photographs dating back to the founding of Las Cruces. The center also hosts traveling exhibitions and the work of local and regional artists. It is located at 500 N. Water St. (in the Downtown Mall). 575-541-2154.

The Museum of Art began hosting exhibitions in 2000. Featuring contemporary art in over 4000 sq. ft. of gallery space, displays change several times a year and include national, international, juried, traveling, and invitational exhibits. With works by artists of international and national significance, the Museum of Art places an emphasis on collecting works from those artists who work or practice in the greater southwest and border regions. The collection includes but is not limited to paintings, sculptures, photographs, ceramics, and mixed-media works. 490 N. Water St. (in the Downtown Mall) 575-541-2137

The The University Art Gallery serves as a showcase for the visual arts in the border region. The largest visual arts facility in South Central New Mexico, the gallery presents six to nine exhibitions annually. It features contemporary and historical art of regional, national and international importance.

The Las Cruces Railroad Museum is located in the historic Santa Fe Depot. By photographs, artifacts, and text panels throughout the museum, the museum shows the impact of the railroad on the Mesilla Valley and Las Cruces. There are three model layouts including one everyone is invited to run. 351 N Mesilla St. 575-647-4480

The Las Cruces Museum of Natural History is located in the Mesilla Valley Mall and is dedicated to broadening people’s understanding of natural history, science, and the environment of New Mexico and the Chihuahuan Desert. The Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center houses a number of live animals from our area.

The New Mexico State University Museum has provided fifty years of service to the university and the community. The Museum serves the community as a repository and exhibitor of local and regional culture and history.



The Bataan Death March Memorial Monument is the only federally funded monument dedicated to the victims of the Bataan Death March during WWII. The monument was dedicated in April 2001 and was designed and sculpted by Las Cruces artist Kelly Hester. Memorial is located in Veterans Park along Roadrunner Parkway

The New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum is 47 acres packed with real stories about real people. The interactive museum, which has welcomed visitors from all over the world, brings to life the 3,000-year history of farming and ranching in New Mexico. Fun and learning go hand in hand as visitors can watch a cow being milked, stroll along corrals filled with livestock, enjoy several gardens or watch one of the growing number of demonstrations. 4100 Dripping Springs Road 575-522-4100

The Space Murals, Inc. is a water tower mural, gallery and museum honoring the space program. Displays include Over 2,500 Air & Space Pictures, Replica of the Space Station Freedom, Air & Space Artifacts, Model Airplanes, 1/8 Scale Replica Space Shutle Challenger Memorial, and a Nike Hercules Missile. 12450 Highway 70 East, Organ, New Mexico 575-382 - 0977

The Historical Lawmen Museum displays include Pat Garrett’s desk and artifacts, photographs of most former Doña Ana County sheriffs, law enforcement badges and patches, a memorial to fallen officers, a gun collection, and various law enforcement and historical memorabilia. An outdoor area adjacent to the museum features some vintage law-enforcement transportation artifacts. 845 N. Motel Blvd (575) 525-8847

At the White Sands Missile Range Museum you can trace the origin of America's missile and space activity, find out how the atomic age began and learn about the accomplishments of scientists like Dr. Wernher von Braun and Dr. Clyde Tombaugh at White Sands. Displays also include the prehistoric cultures and the rip-roaring Old West found in southern New Mexico. Outside the museum is a missile park displaying a variety of missiles and rockets tested at White Sands. Although the Museum is located on an Army installation, it is open to the public. It is 22 miles east of Las Cruces off of Highway 70. To visit you can expect to be required to show your driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance for the vehicle. 575-678-8824

The New Mexico Museum of Space History, located in Alamogordo, New Mexico, has exhibits ranging from Robert Goddard's early rocket experiments near Roswell to a mock-up of the International Space Station. New Mexico's only IMAX® theater -- the world's largest format projection system -- will take you out of this world with a wraparound screen and surround sound. The Clyde W. Tombaugh IMAX® Dome Theater also features a planetarium with a Spitz 512 star projector. Hwy 2001 off of Scenic Dr. in Alamogordo 1-877-333-6589

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The New Mexico State Aggies Men's Basketball team is the men's basketball team that represents New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The school's team currently competes in the Western Athletic Conference. Aggie Basketball has seen 17 NCAA Tournament appearances, 5 NIT Tournament appearances and 14 conference championships. The Aggies are currently coached by Marvin Menzies.

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The Las Cruces Country Club is located at the juncture of North Main St and U.S. 70. The 18 hole course is a traditional format with challenging green, bunkers and fairways lined with trees. Driving Range is available along with chipping areas and putting greens. (575) 526-9723

The New Mexico State University Golf Course was designed by Floyd Farley and opened in December 1963. Regarded as one of the most outstanding facilities in the Southwest, the NMSU Golf Course has played host to 3 NCAA National Championships along with numerous conference and USGA qualifying championships. Highlighted by beautiful scenery, the 18-hole NMSU Golf Course is framed by the majestic Organ Mountains to the east and the picturesque Mesilla Valley to the west. Measuring over 7000 yards from the "Aggie Tees," the golf course provides a challenge to golfers of all skill levels with a wonderful array of holes ranging in difficulty from the very challenging to those that provide good birdie opportunities. The course offers a unique combination of both traditional and desert golf course features with large greens and generous fairways for the average player. 575-646-3219

The nearly 7,000 yard, par 72 Golf Course at Picacho Hills is sure to impress you. Pro Turf Magazine described our course ‘s lush blue grass fairways and bent grass greens as follows: “Picture an emerald lying on a mound of sand…dark green, shining jewel in striking contrast with it’s surroundings. That’s the first impression of the Picacho Hills Country Club golf course.” Our weather and superior course are two good reasons why we are often chosen to host many prominent events: 2003 Sun Country Amateur, 2004, 5 & 6 US Open Qualifier, 2004 AJGA Nike All Star Classic, 2004 Sun Country Mid-Amateur, 2004 & 2007 Sun Country Challenge Cup and actively hosting the Pepsi Jr. Tour Event. 575-523-8641

For great golf in the Southern New Mexico desert, there is a top course to play -- Sonoma Ranch. Opened in 2000, this spanking new course offers challenging golf and spectacular scenery amidst the mesquite and brush covered desert. It won a Best New Course nomination from Golf Digest in 2000 and holds a 3-1/2 out of 4 star ranking in its Places to Play list. "Incredible views ... tough greens ... every hole a challenge," Golf Digest says. Designed by Cal Olson, an internationally-known architect with courses from Singapore to Canada, the Sonoma Ranch Golf Course is a longish course with rolling hills, strewn with bunkers and best know for its undulating bent grass greens. With five tee boxes, it offers a stimulating challenge for all levels of golfer. Nestled in the heart of the Mesilla Valley, adjacent to the Organ Mountains, there are exceptional views from the tops of the hills. 575 521-1818

El Paso's Painted Dunes Desert Golf Course, designed by architects Ken Dye and Jeffrey Brauer, offers 27-holes of championship style golf. Since its inception in 1991 and the addition of nine holes in 1999, Painted Dunes has received accolades from Golf Digest, Texas Golfer, United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Dallas Morning News as being one of the premier facilities to play golf in Texas and the Southwest. Undulating greens and rolling hills put a premium on shotmaking and putting. This championship layout rewards those individuals who can manage their golf game around the penalties that await the overly aggressive golfer. Carved out of the Chihuahan Desert, the East, West and North courses at Painted Dunes sit at the foothills of the Franklin Mountains offering scenic beauty of native foliage and desert wildlife.

At El Paso's Butterfield Trail Golf Club, where the old history of the western frontier meets the new exciting design and economic development plans for the future of El Paso, Texas. Butterfield Trail Golf Club provides the perfect addition to Sun Country Golf in West Texas, providing 18 championship holes designed by world-renowned architect Tom Fazio. This Par 72 premium daily fee public Texas golf course is highlighted by natural sand dunes, and native flora and fauna. Butterfield Trail Golf Club features over 55 feet of elevation changes and avails itself to drama and relief with vertical transitions, making each and every hole a "signature hole." Offering Dominant Plus Bent grass greens, Butterfield Trail provides an unmatched golfer experience and the perfect addition to Sun Country Golf.

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The Pan American Center is a 13,000 seat multi-purpose arena located on the grounds of New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The Center is the home court for the men and women's basketball teams and women's volleyball team of New Mexico State University. Additionally, some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry have graced the Pan American Center's stage. These names include Elton John, Garth Brooks, Janet Jackson, and George Strait. In the year 2000, the Pan American Center was named the sixth busiest university event facility in the country by Amusement Business Magazine.

The American Southwest Theatre Company was founded in 1984 by Dr. Bruce Streett and Tony Award-winning playwright Mark Medoff. They have brought together guest artists, a resident company, NMSU, and community members to bring professional theatre to Southern New Mexico. The company puts on polished, professional performances between the months of September and May.

The No Strings Theatre Company is a community-based non-profit organization dedicated to expanding theatre horizons in Las Cruces by presenting contemporary or little known works overlooked by other companies in the city, providing an opportunity for local playwrights to develop new works, and creating opportunities for Las Crucens to see less traditional theatre forms such as puppet theatre, improvisation, and performance art.

The Rio Grande Theater is a recently renovated, beautiful performing arts center for various artistic performances. Among the many performers and artists who have graced her stage are popular entertainer George Winston, Moscow Ballet, and piano virtuoso Xiayin Wang. Film series, literary events, Every Other Tuesday free performances, and special lectures are also a regular occurrence at the Rio Grande Theatre.

The Las Cruces Symphony at NMSU is a unique arrangement of artist-faculty, community musicians, talented students, and world-class artists. Under the baton of Music Director/Conductor Dr. Lonnie Klein, student musicians perform alongside professionals in a large orchestra and experience being on stage with renowned guest artists. The Symphony present world-class performances.

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The Village of Mesilla hosts the traditional Mexican fiestas of Cinco de Mayo (May) and Diez y Seis de Septiembre (September). You can enjoy folklorico dances, mariachi music, and authentic Mexican food. These events are held on the plaza in La Mesilla.

Twice a year (on Memorial and Labor Day) at the Southern NM State Fairgrounds, the New Mexico Wine Growers Association hosts the Southern New Mexico Wine Festivals. Guests can enjoy live music, a large variety of wines to sample, arts and crafts, food, wine tasting seminars, and of course a grape stomp.

In June, the Southwest Environmental Center hosts the annual Raft the Rio race and celebration. Families are encouraged to build rafts from recycled materials and float down the Rio Grande from the Picacho Bridge to the Mesilla Bridge. Awards are given for best use of recycled materials, first to finish, and least likely to finish (among others). It is a great day of fun at the river.

The City of Las Cruces commemorates the 4th of July with its annual 4th of July Electric Light Parade, Celebration, and Fireworks. The event includes live music, a light parade, and a spectacular fireworks display.


As summer cools down, the Village of Hatch heats up. Labor Day weekend heralds the annual Hatch Chile Festival, a two-day celebration of its world-famous crop. The festival attracts over 30,000 visitors from all over the United States, including such notables as the Food Network and the BBC. Festival goers can sample famed chile recipes, watch the crowning of the chile festival queen, or toss a horseshoe in celebration of Hatch's most famous crop. The event also features chile ristra contests, artisan and food booths, and a carnival.

The annual White Sands Hot Air Balloon Invitational takes place on a Saturday and Sunday in September. The event begins at sunrise at the White Sands National Monument and lasts until the balloons come down (usually 3 hours). There is a Balloon Glow at our local High School, Alamogordo High School, which takes place 30 minutes after sundown (usually 7:30 pm).

The village of Mesilla hosts Mariachi Sundays, two hour free Mariachi concerts each Sunday afternoon from mid-September through October leading up to the Mariachi Conference, Concerts & Festival in November. The Mariachi conference culminates with a spectacular mariachi concert by known performers at the NMSU Pan Am Center and parque festival on Mesilla Plaza in La Mesilla.

The Whole Enchilada Fiesta is a three-day celebration (held in September) of southern New Mexico culture. The celebration centers around the making of the world’s largest enchilada. Each year over 40,000 people attend from all over the US. The fiesta is a family oriented event with craft booths, a carnival, car and motorcycle show, New Mexico’s largest parade, and cultural and headliner entertainment.

The Mesilla Valley Maze is a fun outing centered around a maze cut in a corn field. The maze is open during late September and October. It is great fun as the kids (and kids at heart) can take a hayride out to the pumpkin patch to look for the perfect Jack-O-Lantern and discover the many twists and turns amazingly cut into a corn field.

The Southern New Mexico State Fair and Rodeo is held each year in late September and October at the Southern New Mexico Fair Grounds (just west of Las Cruces). This week long fair has fun for everyone. It includes a carnival, livestock show, rodeo, live music, entertaining activities, contests, and much more.

During the 1st week of October, the Village of Mesilla hosts the Mesilla Jazz Happenings, which features free live jazz music and wine tasting provided by New Mexico Wineries.



In November, in Young Park the Dona Ana Arts Council hosts its annual Renaissance Artsfaire. The fair features Magellan, the Faire’s specially created dragon, that oversees the activities while floating lazily on Young Park Lake. Attendees can enjoy watching horse games, battles, and demonstrations, or be entertained by Native American music or the sweet sounds of the hammered dulcimer. They can watch a a medieval juggling and acrobatics team, with their Commedia dell’Arte style antics including fire-breathing and sword swallowing. The Merry Court of Sherwood Oak offers a look into royal life of the period with the Queen’s “Bawdy Balladeers,” a medieval “fashion show,” and an opportunity to learn court dancing. All the while, participants can browse through the many booths of local and regional artists, crafts-people and entertainers.

On Christmas eve, the Village of Mesilla sponsers a two hour celebration of Luminarias and Music.





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Allen Theaters, which has been doing business in Las Cruces for 25 years, is Las Cruces main movie theater for new releases. Allen Theaters recently opened Cineport 10, located at the Mesilla Valley Mall, with 10 screens with stadium seating, digital sound and production. New releases are also shown on Telshor 12, located at 2811 N. Telshor. Some stadium seating is available at the Telshor 12. The Video 4, located on El Paseo, is Allen Theater's discount movie theater.

The Fountain Theatre is New Mexico's oldest movie house. Built in 1905 and located on Calle de Guadalupe in Las Mesilla, the theatre showcases a unique blend of movies, past and present, often with an emphasis on life in the west and ‘movies that missed us’(films that are notable but never had a lot of publicity). At least one film a month for this series has a ‘New Mexico Connection’, drawing from the vast pool of movies made in the state or perhaps featuring a star/story from New Mexico talent.

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Prospective Students. NMSU is proud to be a comprehensive university and home to a dynamic and multicultural population of more than 23,000 students. Rated as one of America’s 100 Best College Buys for more than ten consecutive years, NMSU provides rich learning and living opportunities to students throughout the world.

The Alumni Association helps alumni and friends connect to the university through a variety of events. The association also maintains a list of former students and graduates, promotes the interests of former students and graduates through a variety of programs and encourages good public relations between the university and its former students and alumni.

Academics. Click here to get information about degrees and degree plans, course schedules, catalogs, testing, registration, and other helpful resources.



Job Openings. Click to learn about job openings available at New Mexico State University. The site lists faculty positions, professional positions, classified positions, and student positions.



Research. NMSU ranks in the top 100 institutions in the country in terms of federal research expenditures.




News and Events. Click to see New Mexico State University news articles, view online publications, and see the NMSU calendar of events.



Extension and Outreach. The mission of the Cooperative Extension Service is to provide the people of New Mexico with practical, research-based knowledge and programs to improve their quality of life. The base programs of the Cooperative Extension Service are agriculture and natural resources, consumer and family issues, youth development, and community economic development.

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Las Cruces Soccer Facilities. Burn Lake Soccer Complex, Las Cruces Sports Complex - High Noon Soccer Complex, and Provencio Van Dam, Soldados Multipurpose & Ron Galla T-Ball Fields



Las Cruces Baseball Facilities. Presley Askew Field (baseball) is regulation size, and has a seating capacity of 1,000. The softball field is equipped with a batting cage and bullpens for both home and visiting teams. The softball field is NCAA regulation size.

Sun Lanes Bowling Center has a automatic scoring system, full service restaurant, snack bar and a pro shop.




The Las Cruces Skate Park is owned and operated by the City of Las Cruces. The facility is fully lighted and equipped with a PA and sound system. The park has paved parking, restrooms and access to concession facilities.


The Butterfield Shooting Range is located 12 miles west of Las Cruces. 575-373-1026. Facilities include: Outdoor Pistol, Outdoor Rifle, Rifle Silhouette, Pistol Silhouette, Muzzleloading, Sporting Clays


In operation for more than 25 years Wet n' Wild Waterworld, located off of I10 on the border between Texas and New Mexico, has a large assortment of water rides and attractions. Among the 25 water rides are thrillers like Amazon the park's longest slide which begins from 50-feet above and the newest ride Alien Vortex that is one of the fastest and most thrilling rides. For young children, Wet n' Wild Waterworld offers attractions like Toddler’s Cove and Old Lady in the Shoe designed especially for them.

Western Playland Amusement Park, located acss the street from Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino has 25+ acres of extreme family fun. This is the #1 amusement park in the southwest area that is packed with over 30 great family thrill rides and attractions. Experience the fun of the popular steel roller coaster, The Drop Zone, and Pharoah's Fury, Bumper Cars, Yo-Yo, tilt-Whirl, Scrambler, and the new Tsunami.

Horseback Riding at the Corralitos Ranch, located West of Las Cruces, NM spreads over a vast desert. The 1000+ square miles is a working ranch with tranquil terrain, a vista of hills and canyons, amazing sunsets, historical landmarks, and old ruins (of forts, ranch houses, and settlements). Perfect for riding, photographing, and exploring, the land is home to Indian rock art, old mines, and abandoned homesteads. Most rides are in two-hour increments, up to an eight-hour, day trip. They cater to individuals and groups of up to 10 people. Riders must be less than 250 pounds and over 8 years of age. Their experienced trail horses and mules handle riders at all levels of experience.

The El Paso Zoo is an eighteen-acre home to about 240 species of animals. Approximately 500 mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds, 700 fish and 500 invertebrates live in a variety of natural habitat exhibits including a Reptile House, South American Pavilion, Americas Aviary, Cisneros Paraje, Birds of Prey, American Biome, Forest Atrium, Asian Grasslands, Asian Endangered Walk, and an Elephant Complex.

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The Farmers & Crafts Market is an open air market open in the Downtown Mall on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. It offers fresh produce, home baked goods, chile ristras, hand crafted toys, local jewelry & art, woodwork, and much more. Call 575-541-2288 or visit lascrucesfarmersmarket.org for more information.

Historic Old Mesilla Plaza has over 40 shops with traditional and contemporary arts and crafts from the southwest, Mexico, and Central America. Mesilla is a part of living history. Great care has been given to preserve the original adobe buildings and the beautiful plaza. People from all over the world stop to experience the history, art, architecture, and quaint shopping that Mesilla has to offer.

For 76 years,Historic Stahmanns has provided you with pecans of the finest quality. Our natural pecans, pecan confections, and flavored pecans, are available in many different packages from Gift Baskets to Decorative Tins, to Cello Bags.



Mesilla Valley Mall is the largest shopping Mall in southwestern New Mexico offering a large collection of stores. Included are Barnes & Noble, Dillards, Foot Locker, just to name a few. The Mall also houses the Natural History Museum and the Cineport 10.

If you like discount malls, you should check out the Outlet Shoppes at El Paso. The colorful open-air mall is conveniently located at I-10 and Transmountain road. The 385,000 sq. ft. complex houses stores like Adidas, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, Gap, Guess, Old Navy, and many more.

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The high wall, needle-like spires of the Organ Mountains curve dramatically around a semicircle of Chihuahuan Desert habitat at the Aguirre Spring Campground. The campground, nestled at the base of spectacular cliffs, overlooks the Tularosa Basin and White Sands National Monument. Two national recreation trails start at the campground. The Baylor Pass Trail has its eastern end at the campground. This is a one-way trail of six miles, which will take you to the Baylor Canyon Road on the west side of the mountains. The Pine Tree Trail is a four-mile loop that climbs to the base of the Organ Needles, in Ponderosa Pine habitat. To get to the Aguirre Spring Campground take U.S. 70 for 14 miles east of the I-25/U.S. 70 interchange in Las Cruces, then turn south on the Aguirre Spring Road (1.1 miles after San Augustine Pass) for six miles. At mile 4 the road becomes a one-way loop and climbs steeply.

The Dripping Springs Natural Area has over four miles of easy hiking trails, including the Dripping Springs Trail, which shows off desert scrub and low elevation pinon-juniper and oak woodlands. The area also boasts excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including excellent year-round viewing of red-tailed hawk, Gambel’s quail, golden eagle and rock squirrel. It offers very good year-round viewing of desert mule deer and coyote. Also watch for black-throated sparrow, ladder-backed woodpecker, verdin, black-tailed gnatcatcher, lesser nighthawk, Scott’s oriole, cactus wren, desert cottontail, and collared and tree lizard in the spring and summer. Finally, there are occasional sightings of mountain lion. The Dripping Springs Natural Area is located 10 miles east of Las Cruces, on the west side of the Organ Mountains. Take University Avenue/Dripping Springs Road east to the end.

The Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park is New Mexico's 34th state park opened in December 2008. A remnant of riverside woodland and restored wetland along the Rio Grande, this park is a haven for migratory birds and for people seeking walking trails and quiet enjoyment of nature. The park is located on the western bank of the Rio Grande southwest of the Village of Mesilla. 5000 Calle Del Norte, Mesilla, NM (575) 523-4398

Located in the northern Chihuahuan Desert, the 960-acre Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park site is a topographically and biologically diverse example of this beautiful desert. The Nature Park encompasses a small section of the Doña Ana Mountains northeast of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Spectacular views of the Organ Mountains, San Andres Mountains and the Jornada Basin are also visible from the Park. To get there from I-25 in Las Cruces, New Mexico, head east on Highway 70. Take the Mesa Grande Rd. exit ( at Oñate High School) and make a U-turn under the highway to head west on the frontage road. Turn right (north) on Jornada Road and proceed north on Jornada Road for approximately 6.5 miles. Turn left just before the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park entrance sign. Follow the entrance road west to the Nature Park parking lot and trail head.

The Leasburg Dam State Park offers camping, picnicking and bird watching. From mid-March to mid-October the park offers fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Leasburg Dam, built in 1908, is one of the oldest diversion dams in New Mexico. It heads a canal system that irrigates extensive farmlands south to Las Cruces. To get to Leasburg Dam State Park, go 15 miles north of Las Cruces on I-25, get off at exit 19 and take NM 157 west to the park entrance.

Rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin is one of the world's great natural wonders - the glistening white sands of New Mexico. Here, great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand have engulfed 275 square miles of desert and created the world's largest gypsum dune field. White Sands National Monument preserves a major portion of this unique dune field, along with the plants and animals that have successfully adapted to this constantly changing environment. The visitor center is located on U.S. Highway 70, 15 miles southwest of Alamogordo and 52 miles east of Las Cruces, New Mexico. For operating hours and seasons, click here. (575) 679-2599

Located on the rugged west slope of the Little Florida Mountains (south of Deming, New Mexico), Rockhound StatePark is a favorite for “rockhounds” because of the abundant agates and quartz crystals found there. Hiking trails provide spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Scattered throughout the park are rock and mineral specimens of volcanic origin. These treasures range from varieties of jasper, silica minerals, quartz crystals, chalcedony, agate, and common opal. Visitors are allowed to take up to 15 pounds of the rock for their personal collections. To get to Rockhound State Park from Deming, take N.M. 11 south for five miles, and then go east on N.M. 141 for about nine miles.

Formed of volcanic ash 30 million years ago and sculpted by wind and water into rows of monolithic blocks, City of Rocks State Park takes its name from these incredible rock formations. Cactus gardens and hiking trails add to this unique destination. The rock formations at the park are so unique that they are only known to exist in six other places in the world. Imaginative visitors may see the rock formations as a small city, complete with houses, chimneys, courtyards, and streets. To get to City of Rocks State Park from Deming, take US 180 northwest 24 miles; then go northeast on NM 61 for 4 miles to the park access road.

On July 16, 1945 the world changed with the explosion of the first atomic bomb. The explosion took place at Trinity Site which is on the White Sands Missile Range. Trinity is a national historic landmark which is open to the public twice a year. The link above will provide you with information on this historic landmark. Call for information (575) 678-1134.

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The Las Cruces International Airport is a thriving general aviation airport located right off Interstate 10 on the West Mesa about 8 miles from downtown Las Cruces. The airport has three runways, including a precision instrument approach (Runway 30), two full-service FBOs, ample tie down space, and plenty of room to grow. At this time it does not have scheduled airline service. The closest airport for scheduled airline service is the El Paso International Airport.

El Paso International Airport (ELP) is the gateway to West Texas, Southern New Mexico and Northern Mexico. It provides airline passenger services, air cargo, and general aviation services. The Airport is favored with abundant land (nearly 7,100 acres) and beautiful flying weather. The Airport is located 6 miles east of downtown El Paso and 3.7 miles north of Interstate 10 Exit 25 (Airway).
Gate A-1 and A-2 - American Airlines
Gate A-3 - Frontier Airlines
Gate B-1 and B-2 - Delta Airlines
Gate B-3, B-4, B-5, B-6 - Southwest Airlines
Gate B-7 - US Airways
Gate B-9 - Continental Airlines
Gate B-11 - United Airlines
Unassigned - New Mexico Airlines

Shuttle Services
Las Cruces Shuttle & Charter Service is an airport shuttle serving El Paso International Airport, Amtrak & bus stations in the El Paso, Las Cruces, Deming, and Silver City areas. Also available --Private Car Service 24-hours per day, 7 days a week, and Charter & Courier transportation service throughout southern New Mexico and west Texas. Scheduled service available; open 7 days a week; Phone Hours: 8:00 am - 10:00 pm MST; advance Reservations Required.
L & M Limousine has provided service to the Las Cruces and Southern New Mexico area since 1986. They provide trained professional chauffeurs in well maintained limousines for weddings, quinceañeras, anniversaries, proms, graduations, bachelor and bachelorette parties or for any other request of your needs. They provide airport service in our Lincoln town cars and Cadillac ESV Escalade.

Local Transportation
Las Cruces Roadrunner is the public transportation system of Las Cruces

Auto Rentals in Las Cruces
Avis Rental Car, 700 South Telshor, 575-522-4406
Enterprise Rent-a-Car, 1340 S. Valley Dr., 575-525-1778, or 2285 E. Lohman, Suite B, 575-523-5351
Hertz Rent-a-Car, 705 S. Telshor, 575-521-4807

Auto Rentals with offices in baggage claim area of the El Paso Airport
Alamo Car Rental - 915-778-4401
Avis Rental Car - (915) 779-2700
Budget Rental Car - (915) 772-9156
Dollar Rental Car - (915) 778-5445
Enterprise Car Rental - 915-779-2260
Hertz Rent A Car - (915) 772-4255
National Car Rental - (915) 778-9417
Thrifty Car Rental - (915) 778-9236

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White Sands Test Facility is located east of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and is six miles north of U.S. HWY 70 (NASA Road/Baylor Canyon Road Exit), on the east side of the San Andres Mountains.



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