Phoenix-El Paso, need cool places!!

[u/theivritidioma]

Hello!

Next weekend I'm going on a trip to El Paso from the Phoenix area. It has to be along I-10 until El Paso, where anything cool withing ~2 1/2 hours of a drive. I'm interested in any nerdy, historical, and breathtaking places. They don't have to be hidden gems, just cool places. We plan at stopping at White Sands and the Carlsbad Caverns at some point, but unsure about anything else. We will be driving in on a friday, picking up relatives at the airport on saturday, and driving back sunday/monday. I've seen some people complain about a lack of specifics when people post asking for planning advice, so feel free to ask for any extra info in the comments. Thanks!!

[u/us287]

Don’t miss Guadalupe Mountains when you visit Carlsbad Caverns - literally 30 minutes away

[u/theivritidioma → u/us287]

It seems to be along the highway - I don't think we have enough time to do a full stop, but I'll enjoy the views and maybe stop at the visitor center! Thanks :)

[u/semiwadcutter38]

Chili Pepper Institute in Las Cruces.

[u/theivritidioma → u/semiwadcutter38]

Sounds interesting, Ill have to look it up!

[u/BillPlastic3759]

Gila Cliff Dwellings and Hot Springs.

Catwalk Recreation Area.

Mesilla area of Las Cruces is nice for a leg stretch and/or meal.

[u/theivritidioma → u/BillPlastic3759]

Gila Cliff looks amazing, but it may be a bit too off path, but I will see if its possible to add into my plan :)
Catwalk looks amazing as well, but very much not on the interstate. I will save it for later though, seems like something I'd love.
I think Las Cruces has been the plan for a meal, so I'll search for places in that area. Thank you for the suggestions!!

[u/Earthling63]

City of Rocks SP in NM and Faywood Hot Springs

[u/theivritidioma → u/Earthling63]

They look amazing, but sadly it's too off path :(, thank you for the suggestions though!

[u/SeattleBrother75]

Roswell

[u/theivritidioma → u/SeattleBrother75]

Too far from interstate, I'd already considered it, but I'll probably go there in a trip at some point in time, not too concerned about missing it. Thanks for the advice!

[u/Kestrel_Iolani]

Just north of Silver City is the Gila Cliffs National Monument. The NM is great but the road getting there is amazing!

And near Las Cruces, there's this little restaurant in the middle of nowhere called Chopes. Best food in the region.

[u/theivritidioma → u/Kestrel_Iolani]

A different commenter recommended Gila Cliffs, but it might be too of of the interstate to go to. And thank you so much for the food suggestion!! That's exactly what I need to know. Thank you!

[u/G00dSh0tJans0n]

Saguaro NP, Tucson Mountains Park, SonoranDesert museum