14 days in New Mexico Itinerary

Las Cruces, also known as "The City of the Crosses", is the seat of Doña Ana County, New Mexico, United States. Kick off your visit on the 9th (Mon): admire the majestic nature at Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, then contemplate the long history of Old Mesilla Village, and then take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Tortugas Mountain.

To see photos, other places to visit, traveler tips, and other tourist information, refer to the Las Cruces trip planner.

Washington to Las Cruces is an approximately 12-hour combination of flight and car. You can also drive. The time zone difference when traveling from Washington to Las Cruces is minus 2 hours. When traveling from Washington in October, plan for a bit warmer days and about the same nights in Las Cruces: temperatures range from 78°F by day to 50°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 9th (Mon) so you can go by car to Carlsbad.

Carlsbad is a city in and the county seat of Eddy County, New Mexico, United States. Escape the urban bustle at Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Hall of The White Giant. Step off the beaten path and head to Pecos River Flume and The Artist Gallery. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Carlsbad: Carlsbad Caverns National Park (Green Lake, Carlsbad Caverns Natural Entrance Tour, &more).

For photos, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the Carlsbad online holiday planner.

Drive from Las Cruces to Carlsbad in 3.5 hours. In October in Carlsbad, expect temperatures between 80°F during the day and 50°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Thu) early enough to drive to Roswell.

Famed as the site of a purported UFO crash in 1947, the Roswell of today offers much more than alien research opportunities.

Kick off your visit on the 13th (Fri): appreciate the extensive heritage of Downtown Historic District, look for gifts at Rustic Essentials Soap Company, take an in-depth tour of Historical Center for Southeast New Mexico - BY APPOINTMENT 24 HOURS AHEAD, then learn about winemaking at Pecos Flavors Winery, and finally shop like a local with Tokay Beaded Art.

To find ratings, traveler tips, reviews, and more tourist information, you can read our Roswell online day trip planner.

Drive from Carlsbad to Roswell in 1.5 hours. Expect a daytime high around 79°F in October, and nighttime lows around 48°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Fri) early enough to drive to Albuquerque.

Albuquerque remains one of the state's secret jewels, as its tourist attractions are often overshadowed by the more popular holiday destination of Santa Fe.

Take a break from the city and head to Routes Bicycle Tours & Rentals and Balloon Rides. Albuquerque Old Town and Coronado Historic Site will appeal to history buffs. There's lots more to do: admire the majestic nature at Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, steep yourself in history at Petroglyph National Monument, stop by The Candy Lady, and appreciate the history behind Madonna of the Trail.

To see ratings, traveler tips, reviews, and more tourist information, go to the Albuquerque trip itinerary planning site.

Traveling by car from Roswell to Albuquerque takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and flight; or take a bus. Expect a bit cooler weather when traveling from Roswell in October: highs in Albuquerque hover around 73°F, while lows dip to 48°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Mon) so you can drive to Santa Fe.

Santa Fe continuously ranks among the world's top holiday destinations, attracting visitors with its unusual combination of scenic beauty, rich history, cultural diversity, and high concentration of performing arts venues, fine restaurants, and interesting attractions.

Escape the urban bustle at Valles Caldera National Preserve and Jemez Mountains. Your inner history buff will appreciate San Miguel Chapel and Loretto Chapel. Take a break from Santa Fe with a short trip to Tsankawi in Los Alamos, about 34 minutes away. There's still lots to do: identify plant and animal life at Randall Davey Audubon Center, admire the masterpieces at Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Santuario De Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.

For other places to visit, ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Santa Fe travel planner.

Traveling by car from Albuquerque to Santa Fe takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Traveling from Albuquerque in October, expect slightly colder with lows of 41°F in Santa Fe. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Thu) early enough to drive to Taos.

Many residents have shunned fast-paced city living for Taos's laid-back vibe and blend of Spanish, Native American, and Anglo cultures.

On the 20th (Fri), delve into the distant past at Taos Pueblo, admire the majestic nature at Kit Carson Park, and then identify plant and animal life at Orilla Verde Recreation Area.

For other places to visit, more things to do, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Taos road trip planner.

You can drive from Santa Fe to Taos in 1.5 hours. Another option is to take a bus. Traveling from Santa Fe in October, expect slightly colder with lows of 33°F in Taos. Cap off your sightseeing on the 20th (Fri) early enough to go by car back home.