Soak, Stroll, and Explore in Truth or Consequences & Hot Springs Country 

The Headwaters of the Gila River form just north of the Gila Hot Springs area. Expect lush, forested, remote areas to unwind in, with campgrounds, a national park, and the stunning Cliff Dwellings Monument.

Truth or Consequences 

Locally known as “T or C”, this town has long been famous for its hot springs. You can soak in these historic mineral baths and spas, explore quirky downtown art galleries, and check out the farmer’s market along the banks of the Rio Grande River.

Elephant Butte

Set on the edge of New Mexico’s largest reservoir, Elephant Butte offers space for boating, kayaking, swimming, paddleboarding, and golfing—all in one spot. Elephant Butte Lake State Park includes boat ramps, picnic areas, and campgrounds open year-round.

Cuchillo and Monticello

Cuchillo and Monticello are often described as ghost towns, but both are still active, with long histories tied to ranching, farming, and trading. Visitors driving through will pass historic adobe buildings and stretches of desert scrub along quiet roads. Some former storefronts now operate as galleries or event spaces.

History, Culture, and Scenic Drives in the Silver City Region

Silver City

Silver City boasts an active arts community and a historic downtown that’s easily accessible on foot. Light Art Space hosts rotating exhibitions and offers workshops for visitors interested in a hands-on experience. The town also serves as a base for trips to the Gila Cliff Dwellings and nearby wilderness trails. Lodging options include mom-and-pop hotels and vacation rentals within walking distance of galleries and cafes.

Glenwood

The major draw in Glenwood is the Catwalk Recreation Area. Explore the rock formations, go camping, stroll along the San Francisco River, and get to know the prehistoric Mimbreno culture. Stay at the Behr Art Gallery B&B for a cozy stay surrounded by locally made crafts and artworks.

Gila/Cliff and Mogollon

Gila/Cliff are two close-knit communities with a strong farming heritage. If you’re looking for scenic mountain drives, remote getaways, and New Mexico ghost towns, you’ve come to the right place. Mogollon is a nearby mining ghost town with stunning hikes up neighboring peaks.

Hurley and Santa Rita

In Hurley, visitors can see the Chino Mine overlook, which offers a view of one of the largest open-pit copper mines in the country! Interpretive signs provide background on the mine’s impact and scale. Santa Rita, now largely overshadowed by the mine, remains a landmark in New Mexico’s mining heritage.

Explore the Gila Wilderness

Reserve and Winston 

Reserve and Winston are excellent gateway towns for hiking, horseback riding, and off-the-grid adventures.

Pie Town

Famous for, you guessed it, pie! A must-stop along U.S. Route 60.

Datil, Quemado, and Magdalena

Campgrounds and artist colonies abound here—check out the Lightning Field and Old West legends.

The Rio Grande Valley Corridor

Hatch

Hatch is the Chile capital of the world! Visit in August for the annual Hatch Chile Festival.

Radium Springs & Fort Selden

Here you’ll find plenty of options to hike through the desert and historic fort ruins and learn the history of the area’s peacekeeping mission.

San Antonio

Great birding near Bosque del Apache and home to the original green chile cheeseburger.

Small Towns with Big Stories

Chloride, Lake Valley, and Hillsboro

Ghost towns, mining ruins, and adobe ambience are all found in these small, rural communities.

Kingston

Once a silver boomtown, Kingston is now a peaceful stop for many road trippers and adventurers and boasts historic lodging at the Black Range Lodge.

Columbus

Columbus is the site of Pancho Villa's infamous 1916 raid during the Mexican Revolution. Nearby, you can explore the Pancho Villa State Historic Park, which, in addition to its artifacts, offers educational tours for curious visitors.

Mesilla, Las Cruces & La Union: Food, Wine, and Southwestern Charm

Mesilla

During a visit to this small town, you’ll find an adobe-lined plaza, a historic basilica, shopping, cozy restaurants, and artisanal beers.

Las Cruces

Explore the Farmers & Crafts Market, visit nearby Organ Mountains for hiking and petroglyphs, and tour fabulous wineries and vineyards, such as Rio Grande Winery.

La Union

Home to New Mexico’s oldest vineyard, several orchards, and farm-fresh produce along the New Mexico Wine Trail.

Lordsburg, Deming, and Rodeo: Roadside Stops and Outdoor Escapes

Lordsburg

Lordsburg has long served travelers moving through southern New Mexico. Today, it offers a practical stopover with several hotels, diners, and easy access to nearby historic and natural sites.

Deming

Founded as a railroad junction in the late 1800s, Deming remains a gateway to outdoor recreation in southern New Mexico. Visitors come for rock collecting on nearby public lands, access to quiet campgrounds, and local trail systems just outside town.

Rodeo

Rodeo sits near the New Mexico–Arizona border and serves as a quiet entry point to the Chiricahua Mountains. The area is known for its birding during migration seasons and dark skies, ideal for stargazing. The local gallery features regional artists and occasionally hosts events.

Socorro: Stargazing & Scenic Wonder

Explore the Very Large Array (VLA), just fifty miles west of Socorro, for an otherworldly experience. You can also visit the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge for world-class birdwatching. Or learn about geology and extinct volcanoes in nearby San Antonio.