Attractions and Places To See around Doña Ana - Top 4

Doña Ana County is rich in natural beauty. You can explore the expansive Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, known for hiking and rock climbing, or visit the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument to see ancient fossils. The Dripping Springs Natural Area offers easy hiking trails and wildlife viewing at the base of the Organ Mountains. The fertile Mesilla Valley, with the Rio Grande, provides picturesque landscapes for activities like fishing and kayaking.

Yes, Doña Ana County has a rich history. You can step back in time at Historic Old Mesilla, a charming town with shops and restaurants centered around a National Historic Landmark plaza. The Doña Ana Village Historic District, the oldest permanent Hispano settlement in southern New Mexico, features the historic Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria Catholic Church. Other notable sites include the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum and Fort Selden State Historic Site.

The region offers diverse outdoor activities. Hiking is very popular, with trails ranging from easy to challenging. You can find routes for mountain biking, horseback riding, and rock climbing, especially in the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument and Doña Ana Mountains. For specific hiking routes, check out the Hiking around Doña Ana guide. There are also running trails, such as the Las Cruces Dam loop, detailed in the Running Trails around Doña Ana guide.

Absolutely. The Las Cruces Dam area offers a paved track that is wheelchair accessible and suitable for families. The Dripping Springs Natural Area has over four miles of easy hiking trails perfect for all ages. The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum provides engaging exhibits for children and adults alike, showcasing the state's agricultural history.

The Prehistoric Trackways National Monument is a must-visit for geological enthusiasts, featuring an impressive collection of fossils from the Paleozoic Era, including leaf fossils and tracks of proto-mammals. The Branson Canyon Trail also offers opportunities to discover fern fossils and other ancient tracks.

The best time to visit Doña Ana for outdoor activities is typically during the cooler months, from late fall through early spring (October to April). During this period, temperatures are more moderate, making hiking, biking, and exploring the desert more comfortable. Summers can be very hot, so early mornings or late evenings are recommended if visiting then.

Yes, the Trail beneath the Las Cruces Dam is a paved track that runs along the north side of the dam and is noted as wheelchair accessible. This provides an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and views of the dam area.

Doña Ana County is home to unique geological features, including the Aden Malpais, one of New Mexico's four large lava fields. You can also find Kilbourne Hole, which is one of the world's largest maar volcanoes. These sites offer a glimpse into the region's volcanic past and dramatic landscapes.

For a challenging experience, consider the Robledo Mountain-Prehistoric Trackways Trail, which is a difficult 17.4 km route. The Branson Canyon Trail also presents challenges, with sections that include navigating small cliffs, requiring caution and good route-finding skills.

The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the state's agricultural history. It features exhibits on livestock, crops, and historic farming equipment, offering an insightful look into the traditions and innovations that shaped the region.

The Dripping Springs Natural Area, located at the base of the Organ Mountains, is an excellent spot for wildlife viewing. Its diverse habitats, including desert scrub, pinon-juniper, and oak woodlands, support various species. Keep an eye out for local birds and desert animals during your visit.

The Las Cruces Dam was constructed in 1975 to mitigate flood damage from rivers originating in the Las Cruces and Alameda Arroyos. While it serves a practical purpose, its construction also impacted the historic riparian areas of the Chihuahuan Desert. Today, it's a notable man-made monument with an accessible trail nearby.