DesertBrew said:
That southern NM drive is kind of a beast especially if done thru southern AZ. Dunno if I'd venture down there just for the caverns as I don't think there is much else around. In September I'd be hitting northern AZ and NM. Beautiful weather that time of year and a lot more sites besides roadkill. :cross:
I agree that northern NM is much more scenic and a bit more temperate this time of year, but September in southern NM isn't bad at all. There are certainly some sights to see in addition to the caverns.
Roswell, while a small and unseeming town, is certainly an interesting pit stop. Ask anyone there about alien abduction - you might be surprised at the answer.
Ruidoso is an awesome mountain town. Famous for the Ruidoso Downs horse race track, Ruidoso sits in a beautiful mountain pass near an Indian reservation. The race season will be winding down in September, but you might catch a race day. Ya gotta stop by the Inn of the Mountain Gods for dinner and cocktails...and maybe a poker game or some blackjack.
Cloudcroft is in the same mountain chain as Ruidoso, just a little further south. It is almost 9,000' in elevation, and the temperature rarely gets above 80. The Lodge is a gorgeous historic hotel/restaurant that serves a really tasty Sunday brunch.
White Sands will amaze you. It's like suddenly stepping onto another planet. Ya just gotta see it if you're anywhere nearby. The Northrop Strip (alternate shuttle landing site) is visible from high ground, along with some of the bizarre equipment on the White Sands Missile Range.
If you really want to drive out of the way, you can visit the Trinity Site, where the first nuclear test occurred. That's one attraction that I don't recommend unless it happens to be convenient along your planned route (which isn't likely...it's the middle of NOWHERE).
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