10 Easy Road Trips From Deming, New Mexico: Fun Things To Do Nearby
If you’re in
Deming, New Mexico and itching to hit the road for a day trip, you’re in a great spot. Deming sits within easy driving distance of some of the most fascinating places in southern New Mexico.
In this guide, we’ll look at
10 short out-of-county road trips from Deming, focusing on nearby spots in:
Doña Ana, Grant, Hidalgo, and Sierra Counties.
These ideas are perfect if you’re looking for simple, relaxed adventures without leaving southern New Mexico.
1. Explore Historic Silver City (Grant County)
Silver City is about 55–65 miles north of Deming, depending on your route. It feels like a small mountain arts town with an Old West heart.
Why go: It’s cooler in the summer, walkable, and full of character.
Things to do in Silver City:
- Stroll the historic downtown with its colorful storefronts and street art.
- Pop into local art galleries and studios—this town has a strong creative scene.
- Walk along Big Ditch Park, a green ribbon through downtown that used to be Main Street before a huge flood changed everything.
- Grab coffee or a green chile burrito at a local café and people-watch.
If you like small towns with stories, you can easily spend a full day here wandering, shopping, and eating.
2. Hike the Gila Cliff Dwellings (Grant County)
From Deming, it’s roughly a 2–2.5 hour drive to the
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, but it’s absolutely worth the miles. You’ll pass through Silver City on the way, so you can combine both into a bigger outing.
What makes it special:
You can actually walk into ancient cliff dwellings where the Mogollon people lived over 700 years ago.
Highlights:
- Take the 1-mile loop trail up to the cliff dwellings (there is some uphill, but it’s short).
- Chat with park rangers about the area’s history and how people survived out here long before air conditioning and highways.
- Enjoy the Gila River area—pack a picnic and hang out under the trees.
Tip: Bring water, a hat, and good walking shoes. Cell service can be spotty, so download directions ahead of time.
3. Visit Rockhound Heaven at City of Rocks State Park (Grant County)
Between Deming and Silver City, you’ll find the otherworldly
City of Rocks State Park, about an hour from Deming. Technically it’s in Grant County, so it fits our out-of-county rule.
Imagine giant boulders rising out of the desert like a mini Stonehenge playground—that’s City of Rocks.
What to do:
- Walk the short trails that wind among the rock formations.
- Let the kids (or your inner kid) climb on safe, low rocks.
- Stay for sunset; the sky puts on a show behind those jagged silhouettes.
- If you’re into stargazing, this place is known for its dark skies.
This is a quick, simple road trip from Deming if you want fresh air, wide-open views, and easy walks.
4. Discover Truth or Consequences Hot Springs (Sierra County)
Yes, there really is a town in New Mexico named
Truth or Consequences (locals often say “T or C”). It’s about 90 miles northeast of Deming, in Sierra County.
The big draw?
Natural hot springs right along the Rio Grande.
Why T or C is great for a chill day trip:
- Soak in hot mineral baths at one of several bathhouses—many offer hourly private tubs.
- Walk the laid-back downtown, full of quirky shops and small cafés.
- Check out local murals and small galleries that give the town a funky, artsy feel.
If you’ve been driving I-10 and I-25 for hours, a hot soak in T or C feels like hitting a reset button on your body.
5. Play on the Water at Elephant Butte Lake (Sierra County)
Right next door to T or C is
Elephant Butte Lake State Park, New Mexico’s largest lake and a favorite spot for locals when the weather heats up.
From Deming, it’s roughly 95–105 miles, depending on which part of the lake you visit.
Fun things to do at Elephant Butte:
- Swim, float, or splash around at designated beaches.
- Rent a boat, kayak, or jet ski (or bring your own) and enjoy hours on the water.
- Fish for bass, catfish, and other species.
- Pick a shady spot and enjoy a lakeside picnic.
If you’re coming from dry desert landscapes around Deming, seeing that huge stretch of blue water feels almost unreal.
6. Spend a Day in Las Cruces (Doña Ana County)
Just about 60–70 miles east of Deming,
Las Cruces is one of the best
road trips from Deming if you want city comforts without big-city stress.
Top things to do in Las Cruces:
- Walk through Old Mesilla, with its historic plaza, shops, and restaurants—Billy the Kid once stood trial here.
- Grab classic New Mexican food: think green chile enchiladas, stuffed sopapillas, and red chile everything.
- Visit the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum to learn how people worked the land over the centuries.
- Hit local wineries or tasting rooms in the Mesilla Valley.
Las Cruces makes a great “do-it-all” day trip for shopping, history, and great food, all on mostly flat, easy city streets.
7. Hike Below the Peaks at Dripping Springs (Doña Ana County)
If you’re craving a bit more nature without going too far, drive to the
Dripping Springs Natural Area in the Organ Mountains, just east of Las Cruces. From Deming, plan about 1.5 hours of drive time.
What you’ll find:
- Well-marked hiking trails with mountain views that look straight out of a postcard.
- Ruins of an old resort and sanatorium tucked into the canyon.
- Wildlife sightings: you may spot birds, deer, or even a fox if you’re lucky.
The main trail to Dripping Springs is about 3 miles round trip. It’s not too steep and is a good option for families or casual hikers, especially in cooler months.
8. Experience the Border Town of Columbus & Cross to Palomas, Mexico (Hidalgo County border area)
If you’re comfortable being near an international border, head south toward
Columbus, New Mexico, and the crossing into
Palomas, Mexico. Columbus is in Luna County, so we won’t focus on it itself—but the vibe of this border area pulls you toward
Hidalgo County and that whole southwest corner of the state.
From Deming, the border is roughly 30–35 miles south.
Ideas for this road trip:
- Drive through the wide-open desert plains on the way, watching for pronghorn and hawks.
- Head west afterward toward Hidalgo County’s backroads for wide horizons and desert photography.
- Pack a cooler, snacks, and make it a relaxed scenic drive day.
If you do decide to cross the border into Palomas, make sure you bring proper ID, check current border rules, and feel comfortable with international travel. Treat it as a casual, low-key adventure, not a rush job.
9. Go Wild in the Animas Valley & Peloncillo Mountains (Hidalgo County)
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re at the edge of the map, southwestern
Hidalgo County is your place. From Deming, driving out toward
Animas and the
Peloncillo Mountains can take 2 hours or more, depending on your final stop, but the reward is pure, open country.
What makes this area special:
- Huge skies and desert grasslands that seem to stretch forever.
- Prime territory for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons.
- Great photography possibilities with lonely roads, rugged hills, and dramatic clouds.
Bring a full tank of gas, extra water, and a paper map or downloaded directions. This is more of a
“get lost on purpose” kind of road trip for folks who love quiet and remote spaces.
10. Follow the Rio Grande Corridor Toward Hatch (Doña Ana & Sierra Counties)
If you love green chile—or just like seeing where your food comes from—drive from Deming toward
Hatch, the famous chile capital in
Doña Ana County, then continue north along the
Rio Grande into
Sierra County.
From Deming to Hatch is around 70–80 miles.
Fun ways to enjoy this route:
- Stop at roadside stands (in season) and pick up fresh or roasted Hatch green chile.
- Enjoy classic diner-style meals in Hatch—burgers or burritos smothered with chile.
- Continue north toward T or C, following the river and small farm towns.
This is a great food-and-scenery trip that ties together two counties and gives you a taste of everyday life along the Rio Grande.
Tips for Planning Road Trips From Deming
To make these
Deming day trips smoother and more fun:
- Check the weather: Desert sun is no joke—summer can be brutal midday.
- Carry water and snacks: Distances can be long between gas stations and stores.
- Fuel up in Deming: Especially before heading into Hidalgo or remote parts of Grant County.
- Download maps: Cell service can drop out in canyons and remote highways.
- Start early: You’ll beat the heat and have plenty of time to explore.
Where Will You Go First?
Living in or visiting Deming means you’re surrounded by road trip options—mountain towns, ancient ruins, hot springs, lakes, art scenes, and big-sky desert drives, all within a few hours.
So, which of these
10 out-of-county road trips from Deming sounds best to you?
- Soaking in hot springs at T or C?
- Climbing through the rocks at City of Rocks State Park?
- Walking inside ancient homes at the Gila Cliff Dwellings?
I’d love to hear your ideas and experiences.
Have you taken any of these drives from Deming, or do you have your own favorite hidden spot in Doña Ana, Grant, Hidalgo, or Sierra County?
Share your thoughts in the comments below, and pass this guide along to friends or family who are planning a New Mexico road trip. The more we share our local tips, the more people can enjoy this beautiful corner of the Southwest.
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