Arts, Entertainment, Recreation, and Tourism

The Middle Rio Grande region is a great place to visit if you enjoy spectacular scenic beauty, the arts, visiting cultural sites, soaking in healing hot springs, and participating in a variety of outdoor activities. Come experience outdoor activities for every fitness level – from birding, photographing, and golfing to hiking, cycling, hunting, boating, rock climbing, and more.

Our four mild seasons are conducive to being outdoors much of the year, with most of our major events occurring in Autumn and Spring. Immerse yourself in our rich history.

Native peoples lived and farmed here for centuries before the pilgrims even arrived at Plymouth Rock on the east coast of the United States. The Piro people began to channel the Rio Grande to irrigate crops and raised maize, beans, and calabash squash. The Mimbres people lived mainly in what is now Sierra County and we still have evidence of their beautiful pottery. Other native tribes who have been in the area for centuries are the Apache and Navajos.

Spanish traders passed through or settled in this region centuries later. Sheep and horses were introduced by the Spanish explorer Coronado in 1540, and later that century, Juan de Onate brought goats, oxen, sheep, and cattle from Mexico.

At the close of the 16th century, another herd arrived with permanent settlers; these “seed cattle” became the foundation for New Mexico’s livestock industry. The region was largely agrarian for centuries with farms and “estancias” (ranches) scattered throughout the region; some of these still exist today.

In the 20th century, mining and astronomy became major industries – hence our regional motto, “From the Cowboy Way to the Milky Way™.” You may find that you enjoy your visit so much that you decide to return, relocate or retire here, or even create a business!

Arts & Crafts Fairs

Arts & Crafts Fair at Garcia Opera House during Festival of the Cranes
Arts & Craft Fair at San Antonio Elementary during Festival of the Cranes

Performing Arts

NMT Tech Performing Arts Series (Socorro)

Astronomy / Space / Technology

Etscorn Observatory (Socorro)
The Lightning Fields outside of Pie Town
Magdalena Ridge Observatory (Socorro)
Spaceport America (Sierra)
Trinity Site (Socorro)
Very Large Array (Socorro)

Biking Trails

Bosque del Apache (in some seasons)
Elephant Butte State Park
Socorro Co. Hiking and Biking Trails
Sierra County

Birdwatching

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge (Socorro)
Elephant Butte Lake State Park
Elephant Butte Lake State Park
Caballo Lake State Park
Percha Dam State Park (Sierra County)
Ladd S Gordon Waterfowl Complex
New Mexico Tech Campus and Golf Course (Socorro)
Truth or Consequences and Sierra County
Water Canyon (Socorro)

NM Birding Areas

Birding in New Mexico

Bowling

Sierra County

Dude Ranches

NM Dude Ranches
Concho Hills Guest Ranch (Magdalena)
Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch (Winston)
N Bar Ranch (Reserve)

Eco-Tours & Adventures

BRANT Nature Tours (birdwatching)
Ted Turner Expeditions
Wezil Walraven Bird Tours, LLC
WolfHorse Outfitters (in Gila & Aldo Leopoldo Wilderness Areas)

Agro-Tourism

Black’s Smuggler Winery
Old Monticello Farms Balsamic Growers (Sierra)

County Fairs, Rodeos, and Rodeo Complexes

Catron County Fair (Reserve)
Sierra County Fair (Truth or Consequences)
Socorro Co. Fair & Rodeo
Socorro Rodeo & Soccer Complex
General: www.newmexicorodeoassociation.org/upcoming-events?

Fishing Guides & Fish Hatchery

Catron County: Where to Fish Gila Trout Angling Streams
Glenwood Fish Hatchery
Sierra County

Ghost Towns

Catron County: Mogollon, Pie Town

Sierra County: Chloride, Cuchillo, Engle, Hillsboro, Kingston, Lake Valley, Monticello
Socorro County: Kelly, Magdalena

Golf Courses

New Mexico Tech Golf Course (Socorro)
Sierra del Rio Golf Course (Elephant Butte)
Truth or Consequences Municipal Golf Course

Hiking Trails & Vistas

Catron County
Continental Divide Trail (Catron)
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge (Socorro)
Emory Pass Observation Point (Sierra County)
Glenwood Cat Walk (Catron)
San Lorenzo Canyon (Socorro)
Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge (Socorro)
Socorro County Riverine Parks (Socorro)
Water Canyon (Socorro)

Historical Buildings & Parks

Black Range Lodge B&B (Sierra)
Capitol Bar (Socorro)
Garcia Opera House (Socorro)
Golden Spur Saloon (Magdalena)
Hammel Museum (Socorro)
Harvey House (Valencia)
Kingston Historic Percha Bank Museum (Sierra)
Kingston Ghost Town Museum (Sierra)
Luna Mansion (Valencia)
Old San Miguel Mission (Socorro) – National Park Service
Old San Miguel Mission (Socorro)
Owl Bar & Café (San Antonio)
Socorro Historic Plaza (Socorro)

Hot Springs & Spas / Wellness Centers

Sierra County
Socorro County

Hunting Guides & Outfitters

Catron County:
H & A Outfitters Inc.
G3 Outfitters
Gila Hotsprings Ranch
Wilderness Outfitters

Sierra County
Sierra County Guides & Outfitters

Lakes and Rivers and Dams

Caballo Lake: https://www.sierracountynewmexico.info/attractions/caballo-lake-state-park/
Elephant Butte Dam: https://www.sierracountynewmexico.info/attractions/elephant-butte-dam/
Elephant Butte Lake: https://www.sierracountynewmexico.info/attractions/elephant-butte-lake-map/
Percha Dam: https://sierracountynewmexico.info/cool-places/percha-dam-state-park/
Quemado Lake Recreational Area: (Catron) https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gila/recarea/?recid=79490
Rio Grande River: https://www.sierracountynewmexico.info/attractions/rio-grande/
Snow Lake (Catron) https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gila/recarea/?recid=79492

Movie Sets / Film Industry

Catron County: Town of Gabriella (Datil) https://www.facebook.com/townofgabriella
Sierra County: https://sierracountyfilm.com/locations/
Socorro County: https://www.socorronm.org/socorro-film/locations/;
http://filminamerica.com/Southwest/NM/SocorroCounty/
Valencia County: http://www.belenmainstreet.com/visit-belen/movies-filmed-here/

Movie Theaters & Play Houses

Sierra County
Socorro County
Valencia County

Museums

Black Range Museum (Hillsboro) https://sierracountynewmexico.info/cool-places/black-range-museum/
Town of Gabriella (Datil in Catron County): https://www.facebook.com/townofgabriella
Geronimo Springs Museum (Truth or Consequences) https://sierracountynewmexico.info/cool-places/geronimo-springs-museum/
Hamilton Military Museum & Veterans Park (Truth or Consequences) https://sierracountynewmexico.info/cool-places/hamilton-military-museum-at-veterans-memorial-park/
Hammel Museum (Socorro) https://www.socorronm.org/attractions/hammel-museum/
Harvey House Museum (Valencia) https://www.harveyhousemuseum.org/
Kingston Ghost Town Museum (Kingston) https://sierracountynewmexico.info/cool-places/kingston-ghost-town-museum/
Mogollon Museum (Catron) https://www.newmexico.org/places-to-visit/ghost-towns/mogollon/
NMT Mineral Museum (Socorro) https://www.socorronm.org/attractions/mineral-museum/
Percha Bank Museum (Kingston) https://www.newmexico.org/places-to-visit/regions/southwest/kingston/
Pioneer Store Museum (Chloride) https://sierracountynewmexico.info/cool-places/pioneer-store-museum/
Village of Los Lunas Heritage & Arts Museum (Valencia) http://www.loslunasnm.gov/104/Museum-of-Heritage-and-Arts

National Forests

Apache National Forest (Catron) https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Black Range National Forest (Sierra) https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/gila/about-forest/districts/?cid=fse_006069
Cibola National Forest (Socorro) https://www.fs.usda.gov/cibola
Gila National Forest (Catron & Sierra) https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/gila/about-forest/districts/?cid=fse_006069

National or State Scenic Byways

Geronimo Scenic Byway: https://www.sierracountynewmexico.info/attractions/scenic-byways-in-sierra-county/ and https://geronimotrail.com/
Lake Valley Backcountry Byway: https://www.sierracountynewmexico.info/attractions/scenic-byways-in-sierra-county/
Quebradas Backcountry Scenic Byway: www.newmexico.org/things-to-do/scenic-byways/quebradas-backcountry/
Socorro Historic Plaza Scenic Byway: https://www.newmexico.org/things-to-do/scenic-byways/socorro-historic-district/

National Wilderness Areas

Aldo Leopold Wilderness and Gila Wilderness (within Gila National Forest)

National Wildlife Refuges

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge (Socorro) – Websites: www.fws.gov/refuge/Bosque_del_Apache and www.friendsofthebosque.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/friendsofthebosque
Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge (Socorro) – Websites: www.fws.gov/refuge/Sevilleta and www.amigosdelasevilleta.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amigossevilleta

Parks – City and County

Los Lunas: https://www.loslunasnm.gov/248/Community-Parks
Escondido Park and Lake (Socorro) https://www.socorronm.org/attractions/escondida-lake-park/
Healing Waters Plaza (Truth or Consequences) https://sierracountynewmexico.info/venue/healing-waters-plaza/
Ralph Edwards Park (Truth or Consequences) https://sierracountynewmexico.info/venue/ralph-edwards-park/
Socorro County Riverine Parks https://socorronm.org/location-activity/rio-grande-socorro-county-riverine-parks/
Socorro County Public Parks www.socorronm.gov/city-services/public-parks/

Parks – State of NM

Caballo State Park: https://www.sierracountynewmexico.info/attractions/caballo-lake-state-park/
Elephant Butte State Park: https://www.sierracountynewmexico.info/attractions/elephant-butte-lake-map/
Percha Dam State Park: https://sierracountynewmexico.info/cool-places/percha-dam-state-park/

Restaurants

Catron County: https://local.yahoo.com/info-20221054-eagle-guest-ranch-datil
Sierra County, A to Z: https://sierracountynewmexico.info/restaurants/
Arrey: https://www.sierracountynewmexico.info/restaurants/location/arrey/
Elephant Butte: https://www.sierracountynewmexico.info/restaurants/location/elephant-butte/
Hillsboro: https://www.sierracountynewmexico.info/restaurants/location/hillsboro/
Truth or Consequences: https://www.sierracountynewmexico.info/restaurants/location/truth-or-consequences/
Williamsburg: https://www.sierracountynewmexico.info/restaurants/location/williamsburg/

Socorro County, A to Z: https://www.socorronm.org/dining/
Los Lunas: https://visitloslunas.org/dine/

Rock Climbing & Bouldering

Sierra County
Box Canyon in Magdalena area (Socorro)

Rockhounding

Sierra County
Socorro County

Stargazing & Star Parties

Catron County: Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary
Sierra County
Socorro County

Swimming

Sierra County

Visitors Centers

Sierra County
Geronimo Trail Visitor Center (Truth or Consequences) https://sierracountynewmexico.info/contact/
Spaceport America Visitor Center (Truth or Consequences) https://www.newmexico.org/listing/spaceport-america-visitor-center/1115/

Socorro County
Socorro Heritage and Visitor Center https://www.socorronm.org/
Bosque del Apache www.fws.gov/refuge/Bosque_del_Apache/
Sevilleta www.fws.gov/refuge/sevilleta/

Water Sports

Boating, Boarding, Tubing, Kayaking, Rafting, Jet Skiing: https://sierracountynewmexico.info/things-to-do/boating-tubing-kayaking/

Wineries, Breweries, Bars

Sierra County: https://www.sierracountynewmexico.info/attractions/wineries-breweries-bars/
Black’s Smuggler Winery www.blackssmugglerwinery.com
Bodega Burger Co. & Lounge https://www.bodegaburgerco.com/
Buckhorn Tavern (San Antonio) http://www.buckhornburgers.com/
Capitol Bar http://www.bucketlistbars.com/new-mexico/79-capitol-bar-socorro-nm
Golden Spur Saloon (Magdalena) http://www.goldenspursaloon.com/
Matador Lounge at El Camino Family Restaurant www.socorrochamber.org/m/listing/categories/Food-Dining-and-Liquor
Owl Bar & Café (San Antonio) http://sanantonioowl.com/
Valencia Tap Room by The 377 Brewery

MAIN REGIONAL EVENTS BY SEASON

* After each event name is the county where it occurs. For more information in general (unless there is a link right after the event), go to:
• For Catron County: www.catroncounty.us
• For Sierra County: https://sierracountynewmexico.info/gosierracounty/#top
• For Socorro County: https://www.socorronm.org/events/
• For Valencia County: https://www.loslunasnm.gov/

Winter (December, January, February)

Spring (March, April, May)

Blues, Brews & BBQs (Socorro) https://socorronm.org/events/
Cinco de Mayo Celebration (Socorro) https://socorronm.org/events/
Easter Egg Roll (Elephant Butte Lake State Park) https://sierracountynewmexico.info/local-events/13th-annual-easter-egg-hunt/
Fiesta (Truth or Consequences) https://sierracountynewmexico.info/local-events/truth-or-consequences-fiesta/
Glenwood Dutch Oven Gathering Cookoff (Glenwood) https://glenwoodlibrary.com/event/dutch-oven-gathering
Kayak Fishing Tournament (Elephant Butte Lake State Park) https://sierracountynewmexico.info/local-events/kayak-fishing-tournament/
NM State Science & Engineering Fair (Socorro) https://www.nmt.edu/stem/sciencefair/
Socorro Farmers’ Outdoor Market https://socorronm.org/events/
VLA Tours (Socorro) https://public.nrao.edu/visit/very-large-array/
Truth or Consequences Rock and Gem Show. https://sierracountynewmexico.info/local-events/truth-or-consequences-rock-gem-show/
Turtleback Classic Disc Golf Tournament (Truth or Consequences) https://sierracountynewmexico.info/local-events/turtleback-classic-disc-golf-tournament/

Summer (June, July, August)

Catron County Fair & Rodeo (Catron) https://www.catroncountyfair.com/
Elephant Butte Chile Challenge Cookoff (Elephant Butte Lake State Park) https://sierracountynewmexico.info/gosierracounty/#top
Fourth of July Fireworks at the Lake (Elephant Butte Lake State Park) https://sierracountynewmexico.info/local-events/fireworks-show-at-elephant-butte-lake/
Junior Open Fishing Tournament (Elephant Butte Lake State Park) https://sierracountynewmexico.info/local-events/junior-open-fishing-tournament/
Luna Rodeo (Luna, Catron County) https://lunarodeo.com/schedule
Magdalena Old Timers Reunion (Socorro) https://www.facebook.com/share/KhNNDVQydCsG4oVh/?mibextid=wwXIfr
NM Tech 4th of July Music & Fireworks (Socorro) https://www.socorronm.gov/events/29th-annual-4th-july-celebration/
Quemado 4th of July BBQ & Parade (Catron) https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064681087096&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=shpktiB8Mcjie5Hi&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2FJDRNLiQDNz1t3a6R%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr
Socorro Chile Harvest Triathlon (Socorro) https://chileharvesttri.com/
Winston-Chloride-Dusty-Chiz Peterson Annual Fiesta (Winston) https://www.facebook.com/share/USRNGo4MmyTuNaYt/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Fall (September, October, November)

Alamo Indian Days (Socorro) – https://www.facebook.com/share/EssBJYt8t74Ve8bX/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Arts & Crafts Fair at Garcia Opera House during Festival of the Cranes (Socorro) https://socorronm.org/events/festival-of-the-cranes-arts-crafts-fair/
Arts & Craft Fair at San Antonio Elementary during Festival of the Cranes (Socorro)
C.A.S.T. for Kids Fishing Tournament (Elephant Butte Lake State Park) https://castforkids.org/
Chile Challenge 4 Wheel Drive Trail Event (Caballo Lake State Park) https://sierracountynewmexico.info/local-events/chile-challenge-4-wheel-drive-trail-event/
Elephant Butte Balloon Regatta (Elephant Butte Lake State Park) https://sierracountynewmexico.info/local-events/elephant-butte-balloon-regatta/
Elephant Days Festival (Elephant Butte) https://www.ebnmchamber.org/event-details/elephant-days-parade
Enchanted Skies Star Party (Socorro) http://enchantedskies.org/
Festival of the Cranes (Socorro) – https://friendsofbosquedelapache.org/festival/
Labor Day Weekend Antique Show (Sierra)
Pickamania (Sierra) https://sierracountynewmexico.info/local-events/pickamania/
Pietown Festival (Catron) https://glenwoodlibrary.com/event/pie-town-pie-festival/
NM Mineral Symposium (Socorro) https://socorronm.org/events/44th-annual-new-mexico-mineral-symposium/
NM Tech 49ers Celebration (Socorro) https://www.socorronm.org/events/49ers-celebration-2/
Rio Abajo Becker Street Festival & Classic Car Show (Valencia)
San Miguel Fiesta (Socorro) https://www.facebook.com/share/bwymviTJNPfmvBgF/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Sierra County Fair (Truth or Consequences) https://sierracountynewmexico.info/local-events/sierra-county-fair/
Socorro County Fair & Rodeo (Socorro) https://www.facebook.com/share/g/o8ZvSaUshiFyPgay/?mibextid=wwXIfr
SocorroFest on the Plaza (Socorro) – see also https://www.socorronm.gov/events/socorrofest-4/
Trinity Site/ VLA Tours (Socorro) https://home.army.mil/wsmr/contact/public-affairs-office/trinity-site-open-house

Arts, Entertainment, Recreation, and Tourism

COUNTY AND EVENT LISTINGS

Accommodations

Camping & Campgrounds

RV Parks

Arts

Galleries

Arts & Crafts Fairs

Performing Arts

Astronomy / Space / Technology

Biking Trails

Birdwatching

NM Birding Areas

Bowling

Dude Ranches

Eco-Tours & Adventures

Agro-Tourism

County Fairs, Rodeos, and Rodeo Complexes

Fishing Guides & Fish Hatchery

Ghost Towns

Golf Courses

Hiking Trails & Vistas

Historical Buildings & Parks

Hot Springs & Spas / Wellness Centers

Hunting Guides & Outfitters

Lakes and Rivers and Dams

Movie Sets / Film Industry

Movie Theaters & Play Houses

Museums

National Forests

National or State Scenic Byways

National Wilderness Areas

National Wildlife Refuges

Parks – City and County

Parks – State of NM

Restaurants

Rock Climbing & Bouldering

Rockhounding

Stargazing & Star Parties

Swimming

Visitors Centers

Water Sports

Wineries, Breweries, Bars

MAIN REGIONAL EVENTS BY SEASON

Winter (December, January, February)

Spring (March, April, May)

Summer (June, July, August)

Fall (September, October, November)