The Grande Escape: A First-Year's Experience Off Campus

Introduction

If you’re anything like me, college life can be hectic and exhausting. Between classes, deadlines, and the constant business of campus, it’s easy to forget that there’s an escape from it all right outside campus. However, after a short drive (or bike ride) just a few miles west of NMSU you’ll find a peaceful spot to unwind… The Rio Grande. I visited the Rio Grande a few times throughout the duration of working on this blogpost. Located just off of Calle Del Norte, you’ll find a parking lot that is next to the bank of the river and the start of the La Llorona Multi-Use Trailhead.

The Journey

If you’re not from around here, I can understand that navigating the city can be stressful and daunting. However, the simplicity of getting to the Rio Grande should be another reason for you to visit it. If you start from the NMSU campus, you can head south on University Avenue until you reach Avenida De Mesilla where you’ll then turn right. From there, you’re going to go through one traffic light and turn left at the next (Calle Del Norte). After driving for about two miles, you’ll reach the bridge that crosses the Rio Grande and want to turn right into the parking lot that comes before the bridge.

My Experience

This part of the river is home to some of the most beautiful nature in all of Las Cruces. You’ll see cottonwood trees that sway over the bike path, hear the calming sound of the running river, and see plenty of adorable little animals like rabbits, roadrunners, or even storks. You might also see other Las Cruces locals jog or bike past with their dogs while the entire area glows from the gorgeous sunsets or sunrises.

This can be an excellent place to hang out whether you’re looking to spend time by yourself, with a group of friends, or maybe just with another person or pet. When the river is running, a lot of people like to fish, canoe, or even swim. But year-round, this is a great place to have a picnic, play games, or use the paved path. The best part about all of it, is that it’s free to enjoy – which I know is a large factor for a lot of my fellow college students.

One of my favorite experiences that I have had here was a picnic that I had with my friends by the riverbank on a Sunday evening after a long week of band rehearsals and performances. We brought a few blankets, a speaker, a deck of cards, and things we’d just gotten from Walmart to make sandwiches. We set our stuff up on one of the sloped banks by the riverbed just as the sun was starting to set. It was a very simple thing, but I think that’s part of what made it so special. None of us were thinking about assignments or grades—we were just existing in the moment.

Why You Should Go

• Perfect for sunrise or sunset walks
• Accessible by bike from campus
• Great for photos or journaling outdoors
• Peaceful, safe, and rarely crowded