Classic Rides
North from Chiles to Lakes and Ghost Towns
Starting from Valley Drive in Las Cruces, follow Highway 185 along the Rio Grande north to Hatch, NM, the Chile Capital of the World. Continue on Highway 185 along the river to Truth or Consequences. Stop for a soak in their hot springs or visit Elephant Butte Lake. Return to Las Cruces the same route or take Highway 52 and visit the ghost towns of Winston and Chloride. Be sure to fill your gas tank and your stomach in T or C. Approximate mileage: 200 round-trip.
South from High Peaks to Subterranean Caves
Starting from Avenida de Mesilla in Las Cruces, ride Highway 28, (the Don Juan de Oñate Trail and part of the original El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro), past pecan groves and vineyards to El Paso. Traverse the most northwest corner of Texas (it may be a corner but it’s still big) on Highway 62 past Guadalupe Mountain, the highest point in Texas, to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Refuel in the town of Carlsbad and return to Las Cruces along the same route or extend your day by returning to Las Cruces through Artesia (Highway 285 North connecting with 82 West to Alamogordo and finally Highway 70 West). Approximate mileage: 450 round-trip.
East from Sand Dunes to Alpine Meadows
Starting from Main Street in Las Cruces, climb to 5719 feet Highway 70 East over San Augustin Pass. Ride past White Sands Missile Range, White Sands National Monument (with its gypsum white dunes) as you continue to Alamogordo, NM. For a shorter ride, return to Las Cruces the same way. If you have the time, From Alamogordo, take Highway 54 south to El Paso and return to Las Cruces via Highway 28 North (140 miles round-trip). But if you are not ready to return to Las Cruces, continue on Highway 70 to the cool mountain air town of Ruidoso, NM. Visit historic Fort Stanton or relax at the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack before returning to Las Cruces via the same way. (300 miles round-trip). Finally, prolong your return to Las Cruces by heading east to Roswell, NM, home of the world-famous UFO Museum. (435 miles round-trip) You can also loop north to Carrizozo, NM before returning to Las Cruces (310 miles round trip). Approximate mileage: varies.
West from Mexican Border to Mountain Mining
Starting from Avenida de Mesilla in Las Cruces, travel south on Highway 28 to Santa Teresa, NM. From here, follow Highway 9 west along the Mexican border to Columbus, NM where you can turn north on Highway 11 and head toward Deming, NM. From Deming, continue northwest on Highway 180 for a scenic ride to Silver City, NM and visit their unique downtown. Head east of out Silver City on Highway180 to Highway 152 and continue on Kingston, NM and Hillsboro, NM. Stop at the Hillsboro Café to stretch and refresh (242 miles thus far from Las Cruces). From Hillsboro, choose your return to Las Cruces via 152 east through Truth or Consequences (80 miles) or head south on Highway 27, than east on Highway 26 to Hatch (90 miles). From Hatch, return to Las Cruces on Highway 85 (42 miles). Approximate mileage: varies.
*With the help of a good road map, you will see that all of these routes and rides can be altered depending on how much time you have and how many miles you want to ride. Distances are all approximate and best used for planning purposes only.
Popular Stops
Central
The Bean, 2011 Avenida de Mesilla in Mesilla 575-523-5562
Farley’s Bar & Grill, Bike Night every Thursday, 3499 Foothills Road, Las Cruces, 575-522-0466
North
Sparky’s Burgers, Barbeque and Espresso, 115 Franklin Street in Hatch, 575-267-4222
Blue Moon Bar, 13060 North Valley Drive, Las Cruces, 575-647-9524
South
Chope’s Bar & Café, 16145 South Highway 28 in La Mesa, 575-233-3420
East
Big Daddy’s Diner, 1705 James Canyon Highway 82 in Cloudcroft, 575-682-1224
West
Adobe Deli Steakhouse, Saloon and Cigar Shop, 3970 Lewis Flats Road SE in Deming, 575-546-0361
Services
Grog’s Custom Cycles
Custom building, services and tires for most bikes
5130 Bataan Memorial East, Las Cruces
575-373-9386 or 575-639-4764
www.facebook.com/grogscustomcycles
Suds Car and Motorcycle Wash and Detail
1805 Lohman Avenue, Las Cruces
575-647-1295
Additional Stores and Information
Las Cruces Motorsports
Their three locations make them the largest motorcycle dealership in New Mexico. Featuring Yamaha, Honda and Kawaski among others, they stock new and used vehicles including motorcycles, off-road and ATVs, watercraft, side-by-sides and Scooters.
2125 South Valley Drive, Las Cruces
575-524-3626
www.motorsportsofnewmexico.com
Southern New Mexico Harley Owners Group
A family-oriented, non-political organization with the goal to generate lasting friendships while enjoying fun, memorable rides.
Director: Matt Maio, 575-636-5377
*The State of New Mexico requires all motorcycle riders to wear eye protection. Any rider under the age of 18 must wear a helmet.