January travel near the border

[jerryneal]

Joan and I have plans to travel near the US Mexican border in January and February with stops in in Deming, Las Cruces, Tucson on the way to Vegas.  So many places on the bucket list we want to visit.  First RV trip to the area, so we're not familiar with the layout. But, with all the news from sourth of the border and possible military presence, is this trip a bust?  I truely don't want to start a political rant, but would greatly appreciate your travel comments.   Thanks much, Jerry

[bobsallyh]

We have spent the winters in Yuma for 15 years. We are here now and it is no different than any other time and I don't expect it to be. Drive on and keep the TV shut off!

[SWharton]

I don't see any problems with this. If you feel uncomfortable in an area you can just move on.

[Kirk W]

Your route that you mention is along I-10 which is a major us route with steady traffic and law enforcement. Nothing to be concerned with as it isn't right at the border.  It is probably too early to predict what impact all of the caravans and such will have on the border towns so you may want to check that when you get into the area. 

[2gypsies]

Your route is perfectly safe.  This isn't a war zone!!!

[trailertraveler]

We have spent a fair amount of time in Deming and Las Cruces in October and never had any problems. Be aware that the average night time lows for those areas in January and February is at or below freezing. You may encounter some border patrol check points on the main highways.

[Barbaraok]

No ‘may’ about it.  You will go through Border Patrol check point just west of Las Cruces.  No big deal, answer their questions and on you go.  

[Sehc]

Mostly, on you go.

[jerryneal]

Thanks much for the feedback.  Jerry

[DKRITTER]

Born and raised in El Paso, my family is from Cruces. 

A couple of recommendations;

We stay at Shady Acres in Cruces when we are there for several days. It's off the highway and very convenient for us. If it's just overnight then the Hacienda or the KOA are good and right on the highway.

You have to go to old Mesilla it's a great place and I would recommend the La Posta restaurant highly. 

My favorite restaurant is Chope's Bar & Grill down the old Highway a few miles in La Mesa, NM.

 

On a side note and I am not speaking for anyone other than ourselves, we base out of Cruces and do not stay in El Paso. 

[whj469]

 At some of those border patrol check points on IH 10 they do let the drug dogs sniff your transportation. Willie Nelson and a famous rapper, sorry I don't remember his name, were charged with having pot as they passed thru in their busses. That was a few years ago. Please be careful if you have anything. Have a great trip!

[Kirk W]

2 hours ago, DKRITTER said:

we base out of Cruces and do not stay in El Paso. 

Las Cruses?

[Twotoes]

Escapees has an RV Park in Demin NM, it’s called the Dream Catcher. All FHU pull thru sites for about $25. Not much there but a good 1 or 2 night stop. It’s right off I-10. Also Benson AZ  south of Tucson has an Escapees Co-Op Park, Saguaro. One of the best parks in the Escapees system. It too is just of I-10. It is very near Kartcher Caverns State Park and Tombstone AZ as well as Bisbe. Tucson is only 45 miles north and has lots of things to do too. 

[SWharton]

Plenty to do around Deming:

Pipeline Trail

Mexico(30 miles)

Silver City

Luna Mimbres Museum(excellent)

St. Clair Winery

City of Rocks State Park

Gila Cliff Dwellings

Pancho Villa State Park

Good places to eat: Irma and Adobe Deli(bring an appetite)

 

 

 

[JRP]

My winter ranch is SE of Deming, at the base of the Florida Mountains, about 18 miles from the border. This area has received stepped up enforcement over the last 10 years and is no longer a favored route for people or drugs. Most of the traffic has moved further east or west. The popular crossing route these days seems to be from the NM/AZ border west to Tucson. 

The Deming/Columbus border crossing to Palomas Mx is a very popular & safe area during daylight. Park your vehicle on the US side and walk over the border (with some type of photo ID or your passport to show on return). Deming locals, tourists and winter RV'ers all cross over frequently to have lunch or margaritas at the Pink Store or visit other shops, pharmacies, etc on the Mexican side. Many Mexican children from Palomas cross over daily to attend school in Columbus. 

I ride my ATV out in the desert between my ranch & the border all winter. These days I never see any illegals in the area. I am on a first name basis with the Border Patrol because my ATV riding sets off some of their electronic motion sensors in the area. They also have a long distance night vision camera mounted up on the Florida Mountains that they monitor remotely for night time traffic. 

Lots to see & do in the area, don't skip it. Do be prepared for cold nights in Jan/Feb. The days will be sunny & pleasant, but overnight our Jan/Feb temps drop 30-40 degrees overnight. 

This winter I'm headed to Florida or I'd offer to give you a tour of the area.

[colddog15]

No need to be any more concerned then any other part of the country.    If and when the Boarder Partrol  either stops ya or you go thru the check points just answer the two main questions 1. Are there more then just you one/two in this vehicle? 2. Are you  a US citizen?    

Go - Enjoy

[RV_]

8 hours ago, Kirk Wood said:

Las Cruses?

Kirk he spelled it right and is is Cruces.

http://www.las-cruces.org/

 

 

[jerryneal]

14 hours ago, DKRITTER said:

Born and raised in El Paso, my family is from Cruces. 

A couple of recommendations;

We stay at Shady Acres in Cruces when we are there for several days. It's off the highway and very convenient for us. If it's just overnight then the Hacienda or the KOA are good and right on the highway.

You have to go to old Mesilla it's a great place and I would recommend the La Posta restaurant highly. 

My favorite restaurant is Chope's Bar & Grill down the old Highway a few miles in La Mesa, NM.

 

On a side note and I am not speaking for anyone other than ourselves, we base out of Cruces and do not stay in El Paso. 

Thanks a bunch for the recommendations.   

[jerryneal]

12 hours ago, whj469 said:

 At some of those border patrol check points on IH 10 they do let the drug dogs sniff your transportation. Willie Nelson and a famous rapper, sorry I don't remember his name, were charged with having pot as they passed thru in their busses. That was a few years ago. Please be careful if you have anything. Have a great trip!

Thanks for the heads up, but no issues on the herbal recreation..

[jerryneal]

8 hours ago, Twotoes said:

Escapees has an RV Park in Demin NM, it’s called the Dream Catcher. All FHU pull thru sites for about $25. Not much there but a good 1 or 2 night stop. It’s right off I-10. Also Benson AZ  south of Tucson has an Escapees Co-Op Park, Saguaro. One of the best parks in the Escapees system. It too is just of I-10. It is very near Kartcher Caverns State Park and Tombstone AZ as well as Bisbe. Tucson is only 45 miles north and has lots of things to do too. 

Thanks for the tip.  Already made reservations.  Looking forward to the stop for a few days. 

[jerryneal]

6 hours ago, JRP said:

My winter ranch is SE of Deming, at the base of the Florida Mountains, about 18 miles from the border. This area has received stepped up enforcement over the last 10 years and is no longer a favored route for people or drugs. Most of the traffic has moved further east or west. The popular crossing route these days seems to be from the NM/AZ border west to Tucson. 

The Deming/Columbus border crossing to Palomas Mx is a very popular & safe area during daylight. Park your vehicle on the US side and walk over the border (with some type of photo ID or your passport to show on return). Deming locals, tourists and winter RV'ers all cross over frequently to have lunch or margaritas at the Pink Store or visit other shops, pharmacies, etc on the Mexican side. Many Mexican children from Palomas cross over daily to attend school in Columbus. 

I ride my ATV out in the desert between my ranch & the border all winter. These days I never see any illegals in the area. I am on a first name basis with the Border Patrol because my ATV riding sets off some of their electronic motion sensors in the area. They also have a long distance night vision camera mounted up on the Florida Mountains that they monitor remotely for night time traffic. 

Lots to see & do in the area, don't skip it. Do be prepared for cold nights in Jan/Feb. The days will be sunny & pleasant, but overnight our Jan/Feb temps drop 30-40 degrees overnight. 

This winter I'm headed to Florida or I'd offer to give you a tour of the area.

Thanks much Jim.  Don't mind those temps and doubt we'll cross the border.  So much we want to see on this side.  Have a great time in FL.  We finished our 4th year this spring.  Wanting to venture out a do something new.  Going to be a long trip starting in GA.

[DKRITTER]

21 hours ago, Kirk Wood said:

Las Cruses?

Sorry Kirk, yes it is Las Cruces, it's a locals thing I guess. HeHe,  I don't think I've said "Las" in 60 years. 

[DKRITTER]

It's been 40+ years since I've been there so I can't recommend it one way or the other but check out Silver City, NM. When we were kids we would go to the Gila Forest and camp. Back then it was great. 

 

If you do go, look into the Gila Cliff Dwellings.

[Runroblarun]

Make sure you stay in Rusty's RV Ranch near Rodeo at AZ/NM border. Hot tub to die for and the best start gazing whilst sat in it!

[richfaa]

Been there done that trip and not a problem.