35. New Mexico, USA III

New Mexico - Land of Enchantment III
From Silver City to Las Cruces

We reached Las Cruces with freezing nights but hot days. The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument is a special playground for outdoor lovers. The mix of high peaks and desert landscapes make it ideal for winter months. We enjoyed some thrilling climbs and discovered single-track mountain biking trails. Afterward, a burger with fries at Blake’s Lotaburger was a treat, but I still rank Five Guys and Red Robin as top contenders!

For showers, we visited a public pool where we swam a few laps and enjoyed hot showers. Boondocking with an RV in the U.S. is much easier compared to Europe, where almost everything, even a glass of water, comes at a price.

A long-awaited adventure took us up the Organ Needles, New Mexico’s highest peak at 2,708m. The hike was a grueling 6 hours with 1,200m of elevation, sharp bushes, cacti, loose rocks, and even a bit of ice and snow at the summit to be reached with a fixed rope. Theo took a wrong turn near the top, and I was ready to rest. Nevertheless I braced myself and finished the hike. Fortunately, the sunny views from the peak made the trek worthwhile.

The Las Cruces Regional Sports and Aquatic Center became our recharge spot. We swam, did yoga, and joined Pilates classes for an incredibly cheap price—not possible back home! The fitness sessions worked out all the sore muscles, and I left feeling reenergized for the journey ahead.
Recharging one night at Days Inn before heading to White Sands.Read more