Doña Ana: Desert Landscapes, Fossils and History

Doña Ana offers a wide variety of travel experiences: a traditional 19th-century Hispanic village, volcanic landscapes, fossil traces and wetlands along the Rio Grande. You’ll also find museums, nature trails and the Las Cruces market.

Village History, Border and Railroad

In the Doña Ana Village Historic District, Cristo Rey Street follows the original route of El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro. The district is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a traditional rural Hispanic village in southern New Mexico in the 19th century. The street layout and townscape show two sides of history: the route of a historic road and the form of a rural settlement.

Fort Selden Historic Site has an on-site visitor center with exhibits about life on the frontier and military history. The Las Cruces Railroad Museum is housed in a historic Santa Fe Railroad depot and presents the history of the railroad. The historical themes therefore range from village life and a trade route to border and military history, and the railroad.

Volcanic Formations, Dunes and Fossil Traces

Kilbourne Hole, a National Natural Landmark, lies in southern Doña Ana County. It is a maar formed by an ancient volcanic explosion. Kilbourne Hole is 1.7 miles long, more than a mile wide and several hundred feet deep.

White Sands National Park lies in Doña Ana and Otero counties and protects a significant portion of the world’s largest gypsum dune field. The park has a 16-mile scenic drive through the landscape. Kilbourne Hole and White Sands represent different geological features: a volcanic maar and extensive gypsum dunes.

In the Robledo Mountains, Prehistoric Trackways National Monument protects one of the world’s most significant sites for early Permian megatracks across 5,280 acres. Visitors can hike informal trails through rugged desert canyons and see fossilized footprints and petrified wood. A high-clearance vehicle is required for the last mile to the trailhead; four-wheel drive may be necessary when conditions are wet.

Hiking Trails and Wetlands

Dripping Springs Natural Area has more than four miles of easy hiking trails. Interpretive exhibits in the visitor center offer insights into the Organ Mountains. The Doña Ana Mountains are also part of Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument.

Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park offers a different natural setting, with riverside forests and restored wetlands along the Rio Grande. Audubon recognizes the park as an Important Birding Area (IBA). Visitors will find self-guided nature trails, ranger-led tours and educational programs. The options range from easy hiking trails and wetlands to activities led by a ranger.

Markets, Chile Peppers and Wine

The Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market takes place year-round in Las Cruces, spans seven city blocks and features nearly 300 rotating vendors. Offerings at the Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market include local foods and seasonings, produce, pottery, prints, paintings and jewelry inspired by the Southwest.

In the city of Las Cruces and the Mesilla Valley, the Las Cruces Wine Trail connects locally operated wineries and tasting rooms.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Trip

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Anthony, Las Cruces, Santa Teresa, Mora County, Rio Arriba County, De Baca County, Sandoval, Guadalupe County.

Back to the main travel overview: New Mexico.