What to do and see in Las Cruces, New Mexico (NM): The Best Hidden Gems Things to do

November 25, 2021 Brain Ambrose

With the majestic Organ Mountains to the east and the mighty Rio Grande to the west, Las Cruces stands as an oasis at the junction of the I-10 and I-25. New Mexico State University makes its home here, among fine art galleries, informative museums, a lively theater scene and high desert terrain. The sun almost always seems to be shining in Las Cruces, which enjoys on average 350 days of clear blue skies per year, making it the perfect base to explore the breathtaking surrounding area.
Restaurants in Las Cruces

1. The Zuhl Museum

775 College Dr, Las Cruces, NM 88003-1204 +1 575-646-4714 [email protected] http://zuhlmuseum.nmsu.edu/
Excellent
82%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 90 reviews

The Zuhl Museum

The Zuhl Museum: Where Rocks Come Alive! Part art gallery, part natural history museum, the Zuhl collection at New Mexico State University showcases thousands of beautiful specimens of petrified wood, fossils and minerals. The Zuhl Collection contains petrified wood, fossils, rocks and minerals. The Zuhl Museum is easily accessible to local citizens, school groups and visitors to the university and southern New Mexico. New hours: Tuesday-Friday 12-4pm and Every Second Saturday of each month 12-4pm.

Reviewed By toad94 - Lakewood, United States

Our son loves rocks and says he wants to be a geologist when he grows up, so this museum was a given for our family. But even our daughter who is less interested in geology was still impressed by the magnitude of these slabs. They are huge. The kids liked learning about how the petrified wood was formed. It doesn't take long to go through the rooms but we're definitely glad we visited this place.

2. Cluenundrum

580 S Valley Dr Suite 100, Las Cruces, NM 88005-2745 +1 575-523-9300 [email protected] http://www.cluenundrum.com
Excellent
90%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 31 reviews

Cluenundrum

Cluenundrum is the most interactive Escape Room in New Mexico. You have 60 minutes to find and solve clues and complete interactive tasks in order to escape this vintage 1880s style jail. Our room has a hidden compartments, sound effects and a real time period authenticity. Do you have what it takes to Escape?

3. Fountain Theatre

2469 Calle de Guadalupe, Mesilla, Las Cruces, NM 88046-9016 +1 575-524-8287 [email protected] http://www.mesillavalleyfilm.org/
Excellent
67%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 58 reviews

Fountain Theatre

The Fountain Theatre presents independent, foreign and documentary films in a 100-seat historic theatre in Mesilla, New Mexico. A new feature starts each Friday; there are screening nightly with matinees on weekends. For showtimes and ticket information, visit mesillavalleyfilm.org

Reviewed By jennifer772

I saw the Van Gogh and Japan film - so beautiful. I think films change weekly. Senior price was about $7. Could have gotten popcorn right inside the theatre. Worth supporting local treasures like this theatre. I would have never know to seek out this film, but was delighted to learn the history and enjoy the visually appealing scenes. Made for a great afternoon. Plus you’re supporting the locals.

4. Dripping Springs Natural Area

Dripping Springs Road 15000 Dripping Springs Rd, Las Cruces, NM 88005-3370 +1 575-522-1219 http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/recreation/las_cruces/dripping_springs.html
Excellent
68%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 508 reviews

Dripping Springs Natural Area

Reviewed By E9545SGlindal - Dallas, United States

We hiked with our two dogs for a little over two miles. Beautiful views and a very nice hike..... very rocky though so West proper boots !

5. Las Cruces Water Tank Murals

Las Cruces, NM
Excellent
62%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 63 reviews

Las Cruces Water Tank Murals

Reviewed By DianeJ885 - Las Cruces, United States

I hope everyone in Las Cruces has traveled around and looked at all the wonderful works of art that surrounds our outdoors here in Las Cruces NM. How fortunate are we to have the artists that share their talents with us all. It makes our City so beautful and a FUN place to live and show our visitors around. Thank you to all our artists!!!

6. Heart of the Desert Pistachios & Wine

2350 Calle de Principal, Mesilla, Las Cruces, NM 88046 +1 575-647-2115 [email protected] http://www.heartofthedesert.com
Excellent
65%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 26 reviews

Heart of the Desert Pistachios & Wine

Heart of the Desert is a pistachio ranch and vineyard in Alamogordo, NM. The Mesilla store is a great place to sample farm fresh New Mexico pistachios in a variety of flavors and taste a variety of Heart of the Desert wines. Enjoy shopping for New Mexico inspired gifts and accessories while you are here.

Reviewed By BillyK139 - Livingston, United States

We made two visits while we were in Alamagordo. The first day was to sample the Pistachios and Wine (good service and free samples). We would have stayed longer to have a glass of wine on their patio, but it was too windy/cool. Since the patio and view were so nice, we decided to come back the next day. They do have some boxed crackers, cheese, and beef stick that you can purchase, but you're also welcome to bring your own snacks. It's worth checking out.

7. Prehistoric Trackways National Monument

Rocky Acres Trail, Las Cruces, NM 88005-3370 +1 575-525-4300 http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/recreation/las_cruces/trackways.html
Excellent
35%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
17%
Terrible
9%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 23 reviews

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument

Reviewed By MisterPenguin - Powell, United States

The third Saturday of each month there is a guided hike that starts at 9 am at the parking lot. If you have never hiked Prehistoric Trackways before this is an excellent way to get an overview of the trails and what is there. There are 2 different hikes that rotate so worth going on both. Be aware that the trails are very rocky (suggest good ankle boots and hiking pole). You also climb about 300 feet in elevation so make sure you feel you are able to do this before joining the group hike. Our guide Colin (2/15/2020) was excellent and we learned a lot this past hike about the ancient history of the area. Note: many of the trails are shared trails (4-wheel, mountain bikes, hikers). There was also an event of 4-wheelers this Saturday so several time we had to wait for them to pass by.

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