Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Drive 52
New Mexico's Scenic South
Inthislandofstunningcontrasts,piñon-spottedplainsmeetalpinepeaks,andvast
ridges of black lava share azure skies with a sea of dazzling dunes.
Length:
About 210 miles, plus side trips
When to go:
Year-round
Nearby attractions:
Mescalero Cultural Center,Mescalero. International Space Hall of
Fame, Alamogordo
Words to the wise:
Government tests at White Sands Missile Range can cause brief
closures on Rte. 70 between Las Cruces and Alamogordo.
Further information:
New Mexico Tourism Department
1.
Organ Mountains
As Rte. 70 sweeps eastward out of Las Cruces, the irrigated green fields that ring the city
give way to the Organ Mountains, steep, rugged peaks that have been beautifully sculpted
by erosion. Near the little town of Organ, the 6 1/2-mile Baylor Canyon Road, unpaved but
well-maintained, offers access to Organ Mountains Recreation Area, where several trails
crisscross the countryside. Springtime hikers along the Baylor Pass Trail are rewarded with
the cheerful white saucers of prickly poppies. But for many the highlight here is the Drip-
pingSpringsNatural Area,sonamedforthecliffsideseepsthat,duringtherainyseason,are
transformed magically into a gushing waterfall.
Once back on Rte. 70, you will climb to the overlook at San Augustin Pass, cresting at
5,719 feet. The bird's-eye view takes in the Organ and San Andres mountains, their ridges
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