10 Unforgettable Short Road Trips from Las Cruces, New Mexico

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10 Easy Road Trips From Las Cruces, New Mexico (All Outside Doña Ana County)

Living in or visiting Las Cruces, New Mexico and itching to hit the road? You’re in luck. Within just a couple of hours, you can explore desert lakes, sand dunes, historic forts, and small towns that feel a world away—without needing a complicated plan. All of these road trips are outside Doña Ana County, and they’re perfect for day trips or relaxed weekend getaways. So gas up the car, grab some snacks, and let’s explore the best things to do near Las Cruces in the neighboring counties of Luna, Otero, Sierra, and El Paso County, Texas.

1. Rockhound State Park – Hunt for Gems Near Deming (Luna County, NM)

If you’ve ever wanted to bring home a piece of the desert—literally—head to Rockhound State Park near Deming. This New Mexico state park actually encourages you to collect rocks. You can take a small bucket of rocks and minerals (like agate and jasper) home with you, which is pretty unique for a park.
  • Drive from Las Cruces: about 1 hour west on I‑10
  • Best for: Families, rockhounds, casual hikers
  • Don’t miss: The short loop trails with wide desert views
Bring:
  • Sturdy shoes (the ground is rocky and uneven)
  • A small bucket or bag for rocks
  • Plenty of water and sunblock
If you have kids, turning this into a “treasure hunt” makes it really fun. Ask them who can find the most colorful rock, or the strangest shape.

2. City of Rocks State Park – Otherworldly Camping & Stargazing (Luna County, NM)

About halfway between Deming and Silver City, City of Rocks State Park looks like something out of a sci‑fi movie. Huge volcanic rock formations rise straight out of the desert floor, forming narrow passages and little “rooms” you can wander through.
  • Drive from Las Cruces: about 1.5 to 2 hours northwest
  • Best for: Stargazing, photography, easy exploring
  • Good to know: There are basic campsites tucked right among the rocks
At night, the sky here is dark. If you’re into night photography or just love staring up at the Milky Way, this is a fantastic spot. Even a simple lawn chair and a blanket will turn it into a memorable evening.

3. White Sands National Park – Dunes That Feel Like Snow (Otero County, NM)

Just east of Las Cruces, across the county line into Otero County, you’ll find one of the most iconic places in New Mexico: White Sands National Park. The rolling white dunes look like snowbanks, but they’re made of soft gypsum sand. It’s one of those places that’s hard to describe until you see it yourself.
  • Drive from Las Cruces: about 1 hour via US‑70
  • Best for: Families, couples, photographers, first‑time visitors to New Mexico
  • Top activities:
    • Sledding down the dunes (you can buy or rent sleds nearby)
    • Sunset strolls on the sand
    • Short nature trails like the Interdune Boardwalk
Try to arrive a couple of hours before sunset. The light gets soft, the sand glows, and the temps are easier to handle, especially in summer.

4. Oliver Lee Memorial State Park & Dog Canyon – Desert Oasis at the Foot of the Sacramentos (Otero County, NM)

Near Alamogordo, at the base of the Sacramento Mountains, Oliver Lee Memorial State Park offers a nice mix of history, hiking, and big mountain views. The main trail, Dog Canyon Trail, climbs into a dramatic canyon. It’s steep and can be tough in the heat, but even walking a short stretch gives you a feel for the place.
  • Drive from Las Cruces: about 1.5 hours
  • Best for: Hikers, history buffs, RV campers
  • Highlights:
    • Guided tours (on certain days) of the historic Oliver Lee ranch house
    • Picnic areas with views of the Tularosa Basin
If you’re not up for a long hike, just walk partway up Dog Canyon early in the morning, then enjoy a shady picnic back at the visitor area.

5. Cloudcroft – Cool Mountain Escape in the Sacramentos (Otero County, NM)

When Las Cruces heats up, locals often drive to Cloudcroft, a mountain village sitting around 8,600 feet in elevation. The air is cooler, the pine trees smell amazing, and it feels more like Colorado than southern New Mexico.
  • Drive from Las Cruces: roughly 2 hours
  • Best for: Summer escape, easy hikes, laid‑back weekends
  • What to do:
    • Stroll the small downtown area and grab a coffee or slice of pie
    • Walk the Osha Trail for gentle views over the Tularosa Basin
    • Visit the old trestle overlook for a bit of train history
If you’re sensitive to altitude, take it slow at first. Drink water, walk at an easy pace, and your body will usually adjust.

6. Elephant Butte Lake State Park – Beach Day in the Desert (Sierra County, NM)

Yes, you can have a “lake day” not too far from Las Cruces. In Sierra County, Elephant Butte Lake State Park is the largest lake in New Mexico and a favorite for boating and camping.
  • Drive from Las Cruces: about 1.5 hours north on I‑25
  • Best for: Boating, jet skis, fishing, lakeside camping
  • Activities:
    • Rent a boat or kayak from local marinas
    • Set up a day camp on the shore and go for a swim
    • Fish for bass, walleye, and catfish
It can get busy on summer weekends, so if you like quieter spots, try going on a weekday or shoulder season (late spring or early fall).

7. Truth or Consequences – Hot Springs & Quirky Art (Sierra County, NM)

Just a bit north of Elephant Butte, the town with the unforgettable name—Truth or Consequences (locals say “T or C”)—is known for its natural hot springs and artsy vibe.
  • Drive from Las Cruces: about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours
  • Best for: Relaxation, quirky small‑town exploring
  • Things to try:
    • Soak in one of the riverside hot springs bathhouses
    • Explore small galleries and murals downtown
    • Walk along the Rio Grande for a peaceful break
Some bathhouses offer private soaking rooms by the hour. If you’re road‑tripping as a couple, this can make a great low‑key date day from Las Cruces.

8. Fort Selden Historic Site – Step Back in Time Near Radium Springs (Sierra County Side)

While the fort is close to Las Cruces, it actually crosses into the edge of Sierra County regionally and makes a nice quick historical trip when you want something low‑key. Fort Selden Historic Site preserves the adobe remains of a 19th‑century frontier fort once used to protect settlers and travelers along the Rio Grande.
  • Drive from Las Cruces: around 30–40 minutes north
  • Best for: History lovers, families with school‑age kids
  • Highlights:
    • Interpretive displays about soldiers and families who lived here
    • Adobe ruins you can walk through at your own pace
It’s an easy add‑on stop if you’re already heading toward Elephant Butte or T or C for a longer day trip.

9. Downtown El Paso – Border City Culture, Food & Museums (El Paso County, TX)

Cross the state line into Texas and you’ll find El Paso, a lively border city that feels very different from small‑town New Mexico, yet it’s close enough for a casual day trip.
  • Drive from Las Cruces: about 45 minutes to 1 hour via I‑10
  • Best for: Foodies, museum lovers, urban exploring
  • Ideas for your day:
    • Walk around Downtown El Paso to see historic theaters and plazas
    • Visit the El Paso Museum of Art (often free and very manageable in an afternoon)
    • Try authentic border‑style Mexican food or Tex‑Mex classics
If you enjoy architecture, don’t miss the Plaza Theatre area and some of the old buildings near San Jacinto Plaza.

10. Scenic Drive Overlook & Franklin Mountains – City Views & Desert Trails (El Paso County, TX)

While you’re in El Paso, cap off your trip with big views from the Scenic Drive Overlook or explore the desert trails of Franklin Mountains State Park.
  • Drive from Las Cruces: about 1 to 1.25 hours, depending on your route through El Paso
  • Best for: Sunset views, casual hiking, trail runners
  • Top picks:
    • Scenic Drive Overlook: Drive up near sunset to see the city lights spread across both the U.S. and Mexico.
    • Franklin Mountains trails: Try a short hike near the Tom Mays unit if you want something not too intense.
On clear evenings, you’ll get a sweeping view of El Paso, Ciudad Juárez, and the Franklin Mountains turning pink and orange with the fading light.

How to Choose Your Next Road Trip From Las Cruces

If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a quick way to pick:
  • Want water and a “beach” feel? Go to Elephant Butte Lake.
  • Want cool air and pine trees? Head up to Cloudcroft.
  • Want that classic New Mexico must‑see spot? Choose White Sands National Park.
  • Into history? Try Fort Selden or downtown El Paso.
  • Looking to relax and unplug? Soak in Truth or Consequences hot springs.
  • Love rocks and weird landscapes? Visit Rockhound or City of Rocks.
No matter which direction you drive—north, south, east, or west—you’ll find something memorable within about two hours of Las Cruces.

Share Your Favorite Las Cruces Road Trip

Have you taken any of these short road trips from Las Cruces? Maybe you found the perfect hidden picnic spot at Elephant Butte, or discovered an amazing taco place in El Paso. I’d love to hear about it.
  • Which destination did you enjoy the most?
  • Do you have any tips for first‑timers heading to White Sands, Cloudcroft, or T or C?
  • Did I miss a favorite stop in Luna, Otero, Sierra, or El Paso County?
Drop your thoughts and travel stories in the comments, and feel free to share this post with friends or family planning a trip to southern New Mexico. Your own experiences help other travelers figure out where to go next—and might inspire someone’s perfect weekend escape from Las Cruces.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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