Leisure and Recreation
Recreation
Attractions
Las Cruces has wonderful weather so outdoor sports can be enjoyed year-round at some of southern New Mexico's finest recreational facilities. There are plenty of places to walk, run, hike, bike or play.
The city itself contains more than 50 parks, three public swimming pools - one indoor - soccer fields, baseball diamonds, four lighted tennis court complexes, six recreation centers, and a skate park.
The Las Cruces City Recreation Section offers a variety of programs, activities, and events for the public at the section's six centers and indoor pools. City Recreation is the primary sponsor of all youth and adult leagues in hockey, volleyball, baseball, softball, track and field, triathlons and duathlons, football, basketball, BMX track, boxing, and soccer among many others.
Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the hiking opportunities in the nearby Organ Mountains, and searching for fossils near Picacho Peak.
Spectator Sports
The National Recreation and Parks Association along with Sports Illustrated named Las Cruces as the New Mexico Sports Town of the Year in 2004. The football rivalry between local high schools Las Cruces High and Mayfield is ranked as one of the best in the nation and annually draws 25,000 to 30,000 fans. The other local high school, Oñate, has also established itself as a state-level contender and the three schools are always in the thick of state championship competition.
The New Mexico State University (NMSU) Aggies compete in Division I of the NCAA and have a long tradition of well-respected teams with a solid record of post-season and tournament appearances. NMSU was proud to host the 2007 and 2008 NCAA Western Athletic Conference Men's and Women's Basketball Championship Tournament. The men's team captured the tournament title and the women's team was tournament runner-up in 2007.
Local Attractions - Things to See
One of the area's most appealing locales is just down the road in historic Old Mesilla. A unique assortment of shops, galleries and restaurants surround the charming plaza with its gazebo and picturesque church. A stagecoach stop along the Butterfield Trail, Billy the Kid was put on trial here and sentenced to hang. He later escaped from jail in nearby Lincoln, before being tracked down and killed at Fort Sumner by Pat Garrett. Old Mesilla was the site of the signing of 1854 Gadsden Purchase, and the village's narrow streets and homes have retained much of their nostalgic flavor.
Annual Events
Both local residents and out of town visitors anticipate a variety of yearly event and festivals in Las Cruces and Old Mesilla.
January
* Dozens of brightly colored and uniquely shaped balloons take to the skies at the annual Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally.
February
* For the Love of Art month celebrates art in its many forms at various venues throughout the month.
March
* Bataan Memorial March offers a 26.2 mile course, and a 14.2 mile course that honors a special group of World War II heroes who were responsible for the defense of the islands of Luzon, Corregidor and the harbor defense forts of the Philippines. It is held at the White Sands Missile Range.
* Cowboy Days at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum is filled with whoopin' and hollerin', ridin' and ropin', eatin' and drinkin' - with a little poetry thrown in for flavor.
April
* The Border Book Festival in Old Mesilla honors the written word through readings, performances and recognition of authors.
* Frontier Days, held annually at Fort Selden State Monument, is a celebration in honor of the soldiers and civilians who lived at the fort, including the Buffalo Soldiers.
* La Viña Blues and Jazz Thing is a weekend of music, food and wine hosted by La Viña Winery.
May
* Cinco de Mayo commemorates an important victory over the French in Mexico's history. Music, food and dance fill the plaza in Old Mesilla.
* Fiesta de San Ysidro held at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum honors the patron saint of farmers and the long, rich farming history of New Mexico.
* The Southern New Mexico Fairgrounds plays host to food, entertainment and wine sampling from New Mexico vintners at the Southern
New Mexico Wine Festival.
July 4
* Don't miss the annual Electric Light Parade Celebration and Fireworks Display. The fireworks are over the lake at Elephant Butte State Park.
September
* The Hatch Chile Festival offers spicy food and fun at the Chile Capital of the World - Hatch, New Mexico, held on Labor Day weekend.
* At the Hillsboro Apple Festival in Hillsboro, New Mexico everything is coming up apples from pies to cider. Held on Labor Day weekend.
* The New Mexico Wine Harvest Festival offers a stompin' good time at this celebration of the grape. Held on Labor Day weekend at the Southern New Mexico Fairgrounds.
* The plaza in Old Mesilla commemorates Mexico's independence from Spain with Diez y Seis de Septiembre Fiesta - a celebration of food, music and fun on September 16.
* The White Sands Balloon Invitational features colorful hot air balloons and white gypsum sand at the White Sands National Monument.
* The Whole Enchilada Fiesta is more than just the making of the world's largest enchilada - it's entertainment, a parade, food, games and a carnival - the WHOLE enchilada.
October
* The X Prize Cup is all about space - flying vehicles, technology, careers in the space industry, education and looking toward the future.
* Southern New Mexico State Fair and Rodeo features exhibits, livestock shows, carnival rides, food, music and bucking broncos.
* Get in the groove with free live jazz, food and wine at the Mesilla Jazz Happening on the Mesilla Plaza.
* La Viña Wine Festival is New Mexico's oldest winery and oldest wine festival.
* Dia de los Muertos on the Mesilla Plaza features homemade altars and a candlelight procession honoring the dead.
November
* DAAC's Renaissance ArtsFaire, a juried art show with over 160 artists with a Renaissance flavor, is sponsored by the Doña Ana Arts Council. It features fantastic art, entertainment, food and family activities at Young Park.
* The International Mariachi Conference and Concert's young performers receive training and workshops, and there is a Parque Festival of entertainment, food and cultural activities. Internationally known performers present a spectacular concert at the week's end.
December 24
* Christmas Carols and Luminarias on the Plaza in Old Mesilla
* Luminaria Walk at New Mexico State University
Day Trips
SOUTH - Less than an hour's drive is El Paso, Texas and Juaréz, Mexico. The Mexican culture combines with a feel of the Old West at the Pass of the North (El Paso del Norte). Dog racing, bullfights, museums, unique shopping and dining give El Paso/Juaréz its appeal. Casino gaming, horse racing, an amusement park, and water park are also within minutes.
NORTH - Hot springs, water sports, fishing, camping and ghost towns are just an hour or two away. Caballo and Elephant Butte lakes are home to boats, skiers, fishermen and campers just outside the town of Truth or Consequences (formerly Hot Springs), New Mexico. The old mining communities of Hillsboro and Kingston offer scenic and interesting side trips.
EAST - Just over the Organ Mountains lies the Tularosa Basin and one of the world's wonders - the White Sands National Monument. The gypsum sands create a landscape unlike any other. Continue on to the Sacramento Mountains and to the scenic towns of Cloudcroft and Ruidoso. Cool pines and fresh mountain air are in abundant supply, as well as winter skiing, sledding and snowboarding. For those with a gambling spirit, there are Ruidoso Downs racetrack and Casino Apache, while the Inn of the Mountain Gods offers resort accommodations, dining and golf.
WEST - Historic Silver City, the City of Rocks, Faywood Hot Springs, and the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument are just a few hours drive from Las Cruces. Camping, hiking and fishing are all available in this beautiful setting. Don't miss Pinos Altos with its Buckhorn Bar, and melodramas at the Opera House.
