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
Socorro Fat Tire Trails
Quebradas to east, Rio Grande floodplain and Bosque del Apache to south. Magdalena /
Socorro, NM TrailsBlenwood to Reserve
Scenic Drive on US-180 to NM-159 to FR-28 to 141. 4,700 ft. to 9,000
Glenwood, NM Scenic DrivesHistorical Museum of Lawmen
Law enforcement memorabilia, dates to turn of 20th century. Sheriff'
Las Cruces, NM MuseumsQuebradas Backcountry Byway
24 miles, showcases wildlife, rock formations, colored cliffs, arroyos. Two access areas: 1) Go 2 miles north of Socoro on I-25
Socorro, NM Scenic DrivesFlorida Mountains
Gym Peak at 7,106 feet, Florida Peak at 7,295 feet. Seasonal quail / ibex hunts, by permit, applications due early April. 15
Deming, NM Natural AttractionsU.S. / Mexico Port of Entry
New Mexico's only 24-hour crossing in award-winning building, 2
Columbus, NM Museums