Las Cruces, New Mexico is located in the magnificent region of Dona Ana County between the Organ Mountains and the Rio Grande. Money Magazine lists Las Cruces as the top area in which to retire. The area overflows with the rich history of the West.
Historic ranches, petroglyphs, ancient ruins, forts and famous trails such as the Camino Real and the Butterfield are a part of it’s story. Adjoining Las Cruces is Old Mesilla, one of the oldest towns in New Mexico, once the capitol city of the New Mexico Territory which included both New Mexico and Arizona. It’s also where the first trial of Billy the Kid was held in the courthouse and jail from which he escaped, it still stands today. Nearby are historical towns where some of the greatest history of the west took place, names like Pat Garrett, Cochise, and more lived and died in the surrounding areas towns of Silver City, Pinos Altos and Lincoln. Many old mining and ghost towns are close by as well.
With 350 days of sunshine per year, there is an amazing amount of things to do in the Mesilla Valley. Visit the magnificent Farm & Ranch Museum where a saddlemaking display is on exhibit. To the North of Las Cruces is Caballo Lake and Elephant Butte State parks with great fishing. To the West is Gila National Forest with the Gila Cliff dwellings (home of the Mogollon tribe). Within a short drive to the East is White Sands National Monument, the trinity site, and Alamogordo, home of Holloman Airforce base and the Space Museum. North is the old town of Hatch, home of the world’s greatest chile and near Spaceport America. The wealth of outdoor natural attractions is staggering. This vacation paradise is a wonderful bonus for those attending Sierra Saddlery School.
Sierra Saddlery School 