US 70 in New Mexico: An Out-of-this-world Journey

US 70 is a highway that once stretched coast-to-coast through the southern half of the country. Having been rerouted several times, it currently travels from North Carolina to Arizona. Along this historical and scenic road, the 68-mile section in New Mexico between the cities of Las Cruces and Alamogordo stands out. From otherworldly landscapes to the birthplace of space exploration, high mountain passes to old towns, US 70 in New Mexico has all the elements for a classic road trip.

I took my US 70 ride from west to east, starting in Las Cruces. There’s plenty to check out here, the town having a college, high-tech hub, and historical vibes. From downtown Las Cruces, US 70 heads northeast before turning toward the sunrise to face the jagged granite peaks of the Organ Mountains. Their foothills quickly climb to 5,700 feet, where the San Augustin Pass takes you through the mountains. East and west views are spectacular from this point. Be sure to stop at the overlook on the eastern side.

Due to the White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) being just across the mountains, this stretch of US 70 is temporarily closed from time to time. Check out the WSMR Facebook page for the latest updates. The delay will only be a few hours, and you can use the extra time in Las Cruces to possibly catch a glimpse of a man-made meteor streaking across the morning sky.