8 Day trips from Las Cruces You’ll Love Once You Live Here

Day Trips Collage

The seemingly infinite, ethereal pureness of a white gypsum sea; subterranean labyrinths of sparkling stalactites and stalagmites; and a fusion between the indigenous and the innovative inhabit the landscapes of New Mexico.

 

Located in one of the most culturally and geographically diverse areas of the country, Las Cruces, New Mexico is the gateway to treasures both within and outside of the Land of Enchantment.

 

For those wanting to take up residence in the beautiful town, there are several sites to explore. The Arista team has picked our top day trip destinations, all less than three hours from Las Cruces. They are guaranteed to spirit you away––even if it’s just for the day.

 

Inn of the Mountain Gods, Mescalero, NM 2 hours (111 miles)

Owned and operated by the Mescalero Apache tribe, the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino is the pinnacle at which tradition and luxury meet. Whether you prefer to take in the mountain air while gliding more than 7,000 feet above crystal blue waters on the Apache Eagle ZipRider, or puffing fine tobacco in the casino’s 1852 Treaty Room cigar lounge, Inn of the Mountain Gods makes for a legendary getaway.

Dam Behind Inn of the Mountain Gods

https://innofthemountaingods.com/

 

Ruidoso, NM  2 hours 12 minutes (118 miles)

Southern New Mexico’s own alpine haven, the village of Ruidoso is known for seasonal outdoor activities, like horseback riding and skiing, as well as year-round hiking, camping, and cabin rentals. Enjoy metropolitan sophistication with a rustic twist when shopping on Sudderth Drive, and time-travel to the era of the “Great American Cowboy” with the Flying J Ranch chuck wagon dinner show.

Beautiful green park with fountains and water lake. Ruidoso, New Mexico, United states of America

http://www.visitruidoso.com/

 

San Elizario, TX 1 hour, 17 minutes (68.3 miles)

Follow in the footsteps of one of history’s most infamous outlaws when you trek from Las Cruces to San Elizario––home to the only jail that, according to local lore, Billy the Kid ever broke into. Characterized by traditional Spanish mission architecture, and rich with the culture of an emergent arts district, San Elizario makes the ideal stop for a day of on-foot exploration.

Historic San Elizario Misson

https://cityofsanelizario.com/

 

Elephant Butte Lake State Park, Elephant Butte, NM 1 hour, 18 minutes (79.8 miles)

Southern New Mexico doesn’t typically conjure thoughts of water, but just seven miles north of Truth or Consequences, Elephant Butte is home to the state’s largest lake. Constructed in the early 1900’s, this concrete dam is a desert oasis at the heart of the Elephant Butte National Register Historic District.

Rocky Shore at Elephant Butte Lake State Park

http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/spd/elephantbuttelakestatepark.html

 

Caballo Lake, NM 1 hour, 8 minutes (60.6 miles)

Nestled at the base of the Caballo Mountains, Caballo Lake offers 170 campsites, as well as RV utility hookups so you can comfortably spend the day boating, swimming, or simply enjoying the view from the shore. Caballo translated directly from Spanish is “horse” in English. The lake was named for the wild horses that roam the area, and true to its namesake, visitors can enjoy an equestrian experience in addition to the lake’s other outdoor activities.

Shore of Caballo Lake in New Mexico

http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/spd/caballolakestatepark.html

 

Carlsbad Caverns, Carlsbad, NM 2 hours, 56 minutes (188 miles)

With both self-guided pathways and ranger-guided spelunking enterprises (for the more adventurous at heart), Carlsbad Caverns invites you to explore any of its more than 100 caves. After a day of navigating crystalline cave structures, guests can head to the amphitheater near the mouth of the cavern to watch hundreds of thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bats emerge in search of an insect dinner.

Pool in an underground cavern Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico

https://www.nps.gov/cave/index.htm

 

White Sands National Monument, White Sands, NM 54 minutes (52.2 miles)

Less than an hour from Las Cruces, rare deposits of pure white gypsum sand paints one of the world’s most singular and sublime landscapes across 145,344 acres of the northern Chihuahuan Desert. Sled down 60-foot dunes, or stroll in the silver shadow of a full moon as you experience a destination sought by those around the globe, over in your own backyard.

Moon Over White Sands National Monument

https://www.nps.gov/whsa/index.htm

 

The Pink Store, Puerto Palomas, Chihuahua, Mexico 1 hour, 47 minutes (96.5 miles)

Just across the U.S.-Mexico border, The Pink Store is a colorful (literally) amalgam of handmade craftwork, furniture, knick-knacks, apparel, food––and yes, margaritas. This kaleidoscopic experience allows visitors to experience life through an international lens without stepping more than a few blocks out of the country.

A Look inside the Pink Store Food and Drinks inside the Pink Store

http://www.thepinkstoremexico.com/PinkStoreHome.html

 

If you’re ready to live at the center of these amazing day trip destinations give Arista a call at 575-323-1118 or fill out our contact form.

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10 Things You Need to Know Before Moving to Las Cruces

Gorgeous orchard and view of the mountains off of the Shalem Colony Trail

10 Things You Need to Know Before Moving to Las Cruces

If you’re considering retirement or a fresh start for your family, you might be contemplating relocation. One of the best cities to live in, in the United States is Las Cruces, New Mexico. In fact, TopRetirements.com ranked Las Cruces, NM in 15th place out of 100 most popular cities for retirement. With so many family friendly activities, exceptional weather, agriculture and education, there are several reasons this hidden jewel is a nice place to settle. Here are 10 things you need to know before moving to the “City of Crosses.”

  1. The Views Are Breathtaking

There is a reason New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment. Las Cruces, in particular boasts some of the most beautiful sunsets and Organ Mountain views. Swirling shades of purples, pinks and vibrant oranges paint the sky almost every evening. There aren’t many multistory buildings in this city to obstruct your views, so you’ll be able to catch the masterpiece from virtually anywhere in the city.

A gorgeous sunset over the Organ Mountains

  1. Affordable Cost of Living

Las Cruces, NM has a very affordable cost of living compared to the national average. Sperling’s Best Places breaks it down in a chart.

Housing is priced especially well for buyers in Las Cruces, and well-built, state-of-the-art new construction homes are popular and attainable options. 

Chart illustrating Las Cruces' low cost of living.

  1. Weather

There is a plethora of sunny days in Las Cruces. The warm weather in spring and summer is arid and lacks humidity, an ideal environment for outdoor activities, and as the locals say, “It’s great for aging bones.”

Climate and weather averages for a typical year in Las Cruces.

  1. Cleanliness

From the streets to the air quality, Las Cruces offers a clean environment. Unlike overly populated areas with lots of industrial smog and litter, Las Cruces provides clean neighborhoods like Sonoma Ranch and Metro Verde, which offer regular street maintenance.

Air Quality Index shows Las Cruces at a 32 out of 500.

  1. Very Little Traffic

If you’ve lived in larger cities, you know the pain of long commutes. That is definitely not a problem in Las Cruces. You can typically drive from one side of town to the other in about 20 minutes. What this truly equates to is time. By moving to this beautiful town and cutting out the commute in your life, you’ll have more time to spend with family, friends, and leisurely activities.

Traffic Map overview of Las Cruces - Green highways all through the town

  1. Community

The Las Cruces community is incredibly friendly. People typically greet you with a smile. You’ll find the city is small enough that you occasionally run into people you know at your favorite grocery store or cafe. What’s more is the amazing rich culture in the community. Art, historic sites, agriculture and multicultural cuisine are woven into the fabric of the Las Cruces community.

Hands in photograph illustrating Las Cruces' small town commitment to each other.

  1. Delicious Food

Speaking of cuisine, Las Cruces grows many crops including corn, grapes, pecans, onions, and chile peppers. Perhaps that’s why the town restaurants have mastered the art of making many plates taste better with green chile. The cultural diversity in the area also plays a role in the variety of amazing Mexican food options available. The Mexican cuisine in Las Cruces reflects authenticity that is hard to find in most places. Having some of the longest running vineyards in the country, Las Cruces also has amazing locally sourced wines and exquisite wineries.

  1. Higher Education Opportunities

Las Cruces, NM is home to one of the most affordable state universities in the country, New Mexico State University. The university fosters a lot of economic growth for the City of Las Cruces and allows for many opportunities for continued education. Learn more about NMSU here: https://nmsu.edu/about.html

  1. Outdoor Activities

With such great weather, Las Cruces offers many outdoor activities. The city is home to amazing golf courses, including the Sonoma Ranch Golf Course, Picacho Hills Country Club, and New Mexico State University Golf Course. In fact, residents of Arista Development homes in the 3B section of Metro Verde receive a one-year complimentary membership at the newest course, Red Hawk Golf Club. Interested? Ask us for more details.

There are also beautiful hiking trails like the Picacho Peak Trail and Dripping Springs Trail, and residents enjoy rafting on the Rio Grande in the summer, too. Festivals, fairs, wine tours, biking, and intramural sports are just a few of the many other outdoor activities thriving in Las Cruces.

Golfer enjoying the sun on a sunny and slightly cloudy day

  1. Easy Access to A Variety of Nearby Recreation

There are a lot of options when it comes to nearby recreation. Here are a few that are a short driving distance from Las Cruces.

El Paso, TX

If you want access to big city offerings, but don’t want to deal with the traffic, living in Las Cruces may be perfect for you. El Paso, TX is less than an hour drive from Las Cruces and has everything you could ever want from a large city.

Wet ‘N Wild Water World

Only 30 minutes from Las Cruces is a family-friendly water park that offers a variety of rides, a lazy river, musical events and more.

White Sands National Monument

White Sands National Monument provides an experience like none other in the world. Its stark-white sand dunes mimic the look of snow and the texture of flour. The sand does not stick like beach sand does. Visitors enjoy sliding down dunes on saucers, burying their legs, and taking walks. White Sands National Monument is also under an hour away.

Rippling sand dunes at White Sands National Monument

Ready to Move to Las Cruces?

If you’re ready to make the move to Las Cruces, we hope this gives you a good idea of what the city and surrounding areas have to offer. If you want a unique, contemporary, energy efficient home, take a look at our listings or get in touch to schedule an appointment to view one of our model homes.

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