Southern New Mexico

These vast lands awaken the spirit of adventure. Its people reflect a melding of cultures that have passed on legends of the Wild West and of days gone by for centuries. Its lessons of nature are for learning and sharing. The early industries of agriculture, mining and ranching tell a tale of people living off the land.

Perhaps the fastest growing city in the area, the mountain community of Ruidoso, is a haven for those who love the outdoors. May through Labor Day, Ruidoso Downs features the best in quarter horse racing. In winter, you can slalom Ski Apache at Sierra Blanca Peak. Golf, hiking and fishing are there for the taking as well. While in the area, step out in style for an evening at the Spencer Theater, host to professional theater productions, concerts and the ballet.

Las Cruces, the town of “The Crosses,” has evolved from an agricultural area into a modern city, excelling in science, technology and the arts. Las Cruces celebrates its heritage and livelihood with The Whole Enchilada Festival (September); the nearby Hatch Chile Festival (Labor Day weekend) and a huge mariachi conference (November).

The Spanish village of Old Mesilla adjoins Las Cruces. Formerly an Indian community, quaint Mesilla Plaza gives a taste of authentic cuisine, boutique shopping and galleries featuring local artists. December and Christmas are special here, when nighttime on the plaza sparkles in the light of luminarias.

The best way to discover the area is to take the scenic routes. Meander through the Rio Grande Valley on the Camino Real, the “Royal Road.” Hundreds of years ago, travelers blazed this trail between Mexico and Taos for trade.

State and national parks are plentiful. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is probably the most famous attraction in the state. Plan to spend a day or two and take the guided tours through these awesome formations beneath the Guadalupe Mountains. Or, strike out on your own caving adventure, returning by dusk for spine-tingling bat flights.

In contrast to the rugged caverns of Carlsbad, the Chihuahuan Desert is bathed in pastels and quieted by the sounds of silence. If you’re up for roughing it, sleep under a gazillion stars and contemplate the union of earth and sky.

The spirit of Smokey Bear lives on at Smokey Bear Historical Park near Capitan where the famous, loveable bear lies in state, but his message about fire safety lives on. Set up camp and stay a few days to take in the scenery.

In fall, visit Lincoln National Forest for a spectacular color tour of its aspen trees. Lincoln County is also Billy the Kid territory, so check out the museum in the restored frontier town of Lincoln for folklore and memorabilia associated with this notorious outlaw.

Fans of The Kid will revel in a visit to Ft. Sumner where he was laid to rest. Somehow, it’s ironic that the tombstone of the infamous robber has been stolen three times. All “Kiding” aside, Ft. Sumner’s past ends on a somber note, its monument a tribute to the 9,000 Navajos who were encamped there by the U.S. Army prior to the Peace Treaty of 1868.

Miles and miles of powdered gypsum are the flooring for White Sands National Monument and Missile Range, where you can join a caravan through this fascinating natural wonder. Keep an eye out for the oryx, an exotic herd that resides here, originally imported from Africa. Observe a moment of silence at Trinity Site where the first atomic bomb was exploded.

The lower part of New Mexico is well known as great birding country. “Birders” flock to the former mining town of Silver City for its parks and refuges. Silver City has found a new niche, with a thriving business and arts community. The museum on campus at Western New Mexico University houses a large collection of Mimbres Culture pottery, artifacts, basketry and rugs.

The Bosque del Apache, south of Socorro is, literally, for the birds! Year-round, native fowl live at the Bosque. Come winter, they are joined by thousands of migrating snow geese, ducks and sandhill cranes, among others. What a thrill to experience the early morning mass ascension and all the celebratory flapping and calling.

Birding and hiking are also popular in the Gila Wilderness, where the peaks and canyons of the Gila Forest and Mountains cover three million acres, abundant with wildlife and native plants. Sink into hot springs to ease those aching muscles and back. Explore Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, the remains of homes built into the rock that were inhabited by the Mongollon Indians during the 13th century.

Many people come to Southern New Mexico seeking to satisfy their curiosity about controversial UFO sightings and the study of outer space. Explore the mysteries of the famous Roswell Incident (in which “something” crashed near the city in July, 1947) at the International UFO Museum. Roswell has much more to offer — a developed arts community, scenic nature walks and water sports.

The Very Large Array is a stairway to the stars. Controlled from New Mexico Tech in Socorro and located near Magdalena, the VLA is a series of 27 satellite dish antennae that monitor radio emissions from the stars.