Lonely PlanetOct 25, 2026
The Ultimate Southern New Mexico Road Trip
Get to the heart of southern New Mexico with this epic 5-day road trip from White Sands to Gila.
21 things in this story
- Trestle Recreation AreaSighttrails with views of Mexican Canyon Trestle
- Osha TrailTrailmoderate 2.5-mile hike through forests
- Mexican Canyon TrestleSighthistoric curved wooden railroad bridge
- Mad Jack's Mountaintop BarbecueRestaurantserves slow-cooked beef brisket and dino ribs
- The Lodge Resort & SpaHotelhistoric mountain resort dating to 1899
- Elsewhere
- White Sands National ParkSightAlamogordo, United Statesdazzling white sea of sand, world's largest gypsum dune field
- New Mexico TourismPlaceNew Mexico, United Statespaid content produced separately from editorial coverage
- El Paso International AirportSightEl Paso, United Statesconvenient entry point for White Sands National Park
- Dunes DriveTrailAlamogordo, United States8-mile route through gypsum dune field
- Alkali Flat TrailTrailAlamogordo, United Statesstrenuous 5-mile hike to heart of emptiness
- Hi-D-Ho Drive InRestaurantAlamogordo, United States1950s-style drive-in with big, greasy burgers
- White Sands MotelHotelAlamogordo, United Statesretro low-cost stay with giant flashing neon sign
- Sparky'sRestaurantHatch, United Statesexcellent choice for a green chile burger
- Riverbend Hot SpringsHotelTruth or Consequences, United Statesboutique hotel with pools overlooking the Rio Grande
- Blackstone HotspringsHotelTruth or Consequences, United Statesoffers private outdoor baths and guest rooms
- Ingo's Art CafeRestaurantTruth or Consequences, United Statesserves specialty coffee and organic pour-over teas
- Passion Pie CafeRestaurantTruth or Consequences, United Statesoffers pastries and fat Elvis waffles
- Western New Mexico University MuseumMuseumSilver City, United Statesdisplays prehistoric Mimbres pottery
- City of Rocks State ParkSightSilver City, United Statesfeatures weird-shaped, cartoonish boulders
- Little Toad Creek Brewery & DistilleryRestaurantSilver City, United Statescasual spot with classic pub food
- Murray HotelHotelSilver City, United Statesdowntown institution with art deco facade