Forget the 12 Days Of Christmas, (for now – the holidays will be here soon enough), let’s look at ways to have fun near El Paso for the 12 week ends of summer.

I know … summer in El Paso lasts about 10.5 – 11 months but, officially, summer is June 21st – September 22nd. That’s 3 months which, @ 4 weekends per month, is 12 weekends.

In part 1 of the “12 weekends of summer“, we looked at some fun daytrips that take you east of El Paso. Now, let’s head west.

If you take I – 10 west from El Paso, you’ll find plenty to see and do along with great camping, scenic byways, lots of haunted spots, lots of history and more.

READ MORE: 12 Weekends Of Summer Pt. 1 (East)

There’s plenty to see and do for loners, couples, friends and/or families and way more than 12 places near El Paso. You can easily enjoy the 12 weekends of summer without wandering too far from the 915. .

Old Mesilla

You won’t be on I-10 half an hour before you hit Mesilla. (It’s actually prettier and mellower to take Highway 28 there.) Once there, visit La Posta – a former Butterfield Trail Stagecoach stop that’s now an 86 year old restaurant. (It’s haunted AF.) Then, visit what was once the courthouse where Billy The Kid was tried and sentenced to hang, (now a gift shop) and see a church established in 1851.

If you want to stay awhile, Hacienda De Mesilla is a beautiful boutique hotel with an amazing restaurant and a very relaxing feel. PS: it’s haunted too.

Near MesillaFrom Mesilla, you’re pretty much already in Las Cruces.Radium Springs/Fort Seldon is less than 30 miles away via NM Highway 185 which continues on into the green chili capital of the world, Hatch.Elephant Butte is about 90 miles away via I-25 which will also take you to Hatch.Columbus

After Mesilla, you have a choice; I-10 or NM Route 9 to Columbus. If you choose Columbus, you’ll travel a beautiful, somewhat lonely highway to the city that Pancho Villa raided in 1916.

Deming

If you choose I-10, you’ll find yourself in Deming in less than an hour. There you can visit the historic courthouse and see spots where several movies were filmed. The world’s largest chile processing plant, Border Foods, is also in Deming.  

If your timing’s right, catch the world famous Deming Duck Races. From Deming, you can make your way to Columbus, (about 30 miles away via NM 11 south), or take US 180 west to Silver City.

READ MORE: How These New Mexico Towns Got Such Odd Names

Silver City

Less than 20 miles from Deming, Silver City is a great day, weekend or even longer visit that’s loaded with stuff to do. Visit the boyhood home of Billy The Kid, (he’s kinda everywhere in New Mexico), see the Gila Cliff Dwellings, hike, camp, fish, hunt … you name it.

From there, you can take NM 152 over the mountain, (past a MASSIVE, open mine), to Hillsboro. From there, 152 takes you to I-25 which goes to Elephant Butte

Getaways For The 12 Weekends Of Summer Near El Paso

Getaways For The 12 Weekends Of Summer Near El Paso

Gallery Credit: Dubba G

Elephant Butte

Located about 80 miles from Las Cruces, Elephant Butte is New Mexico’s largest reservoir; perfect for boating, fishing or camping. It’s “dark sky” status makes it perfect for star gazing as well.

Spaceport America is also not far from Elephant Butte and, yes – tours are available. You have to arrange them in advance though, book yours here.

See One Of The World’s Holiest Places – Sanutario De Chimayo In New Mexico

Gallery Credit: Dubba G

New Mexico Wineries Near El Paso

Great Wines In New Mexico And El Paso

Gallery Credit: Dubba G