Get a National Park Service Passport
by Hopkid
These are really fun and spark interest in the National Park Service system. The brainchild of a marketing genius, the purchaser can get a stamp from each of the NPS sites he or she visits. The collection of these stamps, similar to postal cancellation postmarks (which include the name of the park and the date visited) become fun to collect. It's a great way to get the kids (of all ages!) excited about going to different parks, monuments, seashores, etc. that are operated by the NPS.
The passport itself is reasonably priced and the stamps are, of course, free. Each NPS facility has a stamp available at the visitor's center. If you don't see it just ask the ranger on duty. Some (e.g., Mt. Rushmore, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse) have special stamps with a depiction of the area/monument. Great fun!
You can obtain an NPS passport at any park Visitor's Center or online at the National Park Service Store.
Around Alamogordo you can get a stamp at White Sands National Monument.
El Paso
by Sharrie
We decided against staying in El Paso after landing at its airport & driving through the city. The hotel where we had a prior online reservation was nice though. That's the Marriott El Paso & we had it for US$79 ++ including breakfast for 2.
After having a great lunch in a restaurant across from Marriott El Paso(I love its salad bar) - highly recommended, we proceeded to Alamogordo where Ann had another reservation made after consulting some friends. Truely, this is a much nicer town to stay in. At the very least, we feel pretty safe here. A small but cosy town.
Don't leave home without it
by Enchanted
Bring various layers of clothing. We have weird weather here sometimes, usually in the fall and spring, you can never be certain weather its going to be hot all day or cold. Good walking shoes and a good windbreaker jacket in the fall and spring Lotion & sunblock any time of year is a good idea for this area. I would also keep a well kept first aide kit in the car for the outdoor adventures. Water water and more water. A lot of places you find nice to camp don't have drinking water not to mention you don't want to break down somewhere without something to keep you hydrated or put in the car. We always try to keep a gallon in the car at all times, but especially on road trips.
Dog Canyon Trail
by Basaic
The Dog Canyon Trail at Oliver Lee State Park is a long and difficult trail. It starts at the Visitors Center and ends at Forest Road 90B. It is 5.5 miles from end to end. You must have someone pick you up on the road or hike another 5.5 miles back to the Visitors Center. The trail rises 500 feet in the first .6 miles. Footing is rough in many parts of the trail. This is not a trail for begining hikers.
Check with the rangers for weather and road conditions as that may affect access to Forest Road 90B. GOOD walking shoes, plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, weather appropriate clothing.
Three Rivers Petroglyph Park
by Hopkid
If you’re on State Highway 54 between Carriozo and Alamogordo, do yourself a favor and take the 5-mile detour (10 miles round trip) to visit Three Rivers Petroglyph Park. There are over 20,000 petroglyphs concentrated in an area about a half-mile from the parking lot. The number and quality of petroglyphs is staggering. They have been applied to a basalt outcropping on top of which the trail winds. In the background to the east are the stunning Sacramento Mountains and a small range of hills to the north whose name escape me. I would highly recommend going in the late afternoon/early evening to get the best light for photos as the sun at that time is shining on the mountains. There is a $3 fee to walk the trail to the petroglyphs.
You are allowed (and I would encourage) to go off the trail as well to better view the petroglyphs. Be careful, however, not to step on or otherwise touch the petroglyphs so as to save them for future generations to enjoy.
Located on State Highway 54 between Tularosa and Carrizozo. RV hookups and tent camping available.
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Picture of the artwork in the front of the museum
Dog Canyon Trail
Dog Canyon Trail
Dog Canyon Trail
