Visiting Southern New Mexico

Spring in Southern New Mexico arrives without delay. The states southernmost winter resort of Ski Apache knows spring skiing into April is a luxury. Visitors to Ruidoso, act quickly to catch the end of season winter fun in Lincoln National Forest. Southwest in Las Cruces, the fertile Mesilla Valley and surrounding Organ Mountains, Picacho Peak and Robledo Mountains come to life for spring hiking and outdoor activities. New Mexico State University wraps up  winter term and the dunes of White Sands National Monument are shining with gypsum crystals and primed for visitors. A spring visit to southern New Mexico offers an outdoor adventure for everyone.

White Sands National Monument is hosting visitors with its spring hours, before moving to 2012 summer hours April 18. Check sunrise and sunset times, as well as moonrise and moonset times. Visiting the white sand dunes during these times showcase the spectacular scenery at its best. White Sands Missile Range, part of the largest military installation in the US, kicks-off spring with the 2012 Bataan Death March. This annual event honors World War II service members with a march through the high desert terrain of WSMR. Join this solemn challenge March 25.

Las Cruces continues to take advantage of 350 days of sunshine each year with the first annual Las Cruces Metric Century Bicycle Ride. Sponsored by the Las Cruces Optimist Club, the Centennial Bike Ride takes places April 15, 2012. Events include the Metric Century distance, Half Metric Century – bring your helmet and join the fun at the start on the NMSU campus in Arrowhead Park.

Alamogordo and Ruidoso to the east of White Sands National Monument, are two more delightful towns to add to a southern New Mexico itinerary. Alamogordo is home to the New Mexico Museum of Space History. A must-see destination, exhibits include the International Space Hall of Fame and artifacts from 28 countries involved in space exploration. Outdoor exhibits include the Astronaut Memorial Garden with scenic views of the Tularosa Basin below.

The Clyde W. Tombaugh IMAX Dome Theater and Planetarium also are located in Alamogordo. Another must-see attraction, the IMAX wrap around motion picture is always an exciting experience. Current shows include “9 Planets & Counting” at the Planetarium and the IMAX movie “Mount Everest.” Check out the Rockets exhibit in the museum while you are waiting for the shows to start – don’t forget to press the buttons and hear the engines roar.

Spring in Ruidoso means transition from winter fun to the hiking, biking and outdoor fun of summer. End of spring brings racing at Ruidoso Downs with 2012 opening day May 25. Meanwhile try your luck and join in the fun at Billy the Kid Casino at the Downs or the nearby Inn of the Mountain Gods Casino.

Southern New Mexico Hotel Map