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Southwest, New Mexico

New Mexico's Southwest Region, home to the first designated wilderness in the country, offers boundless opportunities to enjoy the state's natural landscape and exhilarating history. The Gila Wilderness, established in 1924, influenced notable individuals such as Also Leopold - the conservationist whose efforts helped secure the Gila Forest wilderness area as a protected space - and courageous Apache chief Geronimo. Visitors journey in a land of cacti, junipers, pine, aspens, black bears, mountain lions, elk, and wild turkeys while hiking, camping, birding or rafting in the Gila Mountains.

New Mexico's second largest city lies in the Southwest Region. Las Cruces (Spanish for "the crosses"), so named because it was the site of several cross-topped graves of an 1830s caravan of travelers ambushed by Apache Indians, still harbors the ghosts of many historic figures and events. Las Cruces Sheriff Pat Garrett captured infamous outlaw Billy the Kid and held him in Mesilla's jailhouse. You can still see the site of this jail when you visit Las Cruses and the Mesilla Plaza for some of the region's finest shopping and dining.

Explore Southwest





Magdalena Stock Driveway / Shipping Pens

At end of longest "hoof highway" in New Mexico. Used from as far away as Springerville, Arizona; closed when the AT&SF Railroad ceased in 1971

Magdalena, NM Pioneer History


Ladd S. Gordon Waterfowl Complex

Bernardo Unit. State waterfowl area, crops grown for birds. Wildlife viewing, sighing / hunting in season. 1600 acres along Rio Grande. La Joya Unit. 3550

Bernardo, NM Wildlife Areas

Nutcracker Suite Pecan Farms

Antique car collection, Sat. BBQ, covered-wagon rides, gift /

Anthony, NM Agriculture

Historic Walking Tour

16 Buildings on State Historic Registry, 4 on National Registry of Historic Places, including post office, St. Anne'

Deming, NM Tours


U.S. / Mexico Port of Entry

New Mexico's only 24-hour crossing in award-winning building, 2

Columbus, NM Museums


Explore Southwest