Scenic Overlook Rest Area — Local services in Las Cruces

Nice view of the city, clean-ish restrooms. Arrived just after dark (about 7:45) on a bicycle tour, soaking wet from a thunderstorm. Security was kind enough to let me stay somewhat out of the next heavy rainfall, just sitting at a table, everything still loaded on the bike. Around 1 am I was told that only people in cars can spend more than a couple hours there, that it was basically his good graces that kept me out of the rain, and to get back on the interstate and vacate the facility. Apparently he was afraid of losing his job if I was there any longer. The rest of the rain this morning was light and I’m already soaked through, but according to the security guard it is better to send a cyclist away in the middle of the night than to let them stay somewhere safe and somewhat sheltered in bad weather. When I asked where the next exit was, where to go to get off the interstate using surface streets, he said he didn’t know where the homeless shelter is but I can look it up after I leave. I’m on a 5-6,000 mile fundraising campaign for the families of fallen firefighters, but he wanted to treat me like I’m a squatter! The views were not worth the rudeness, and if he was speaking true about the New Mexico Department of Transportation having policies that discriminate against me because I’m not driving a car, I’ll do my best to go around the state on my way...

The beauty of this rest stop is more than 5 stars, which makes me sad to only give it 2 stars. Yes the security car drove by, they also drove by the trucks parked in the car area. They drove by the truck which engine reved on and off every two minutes. ...at midnight. I know truckers have a hard job but they should also respect car drivers too (some of us work out of our cars, so there is not much difference.) Also trucks were driving through the car area so add that noise to the other truck. A rest area sort of looses the term rest if you can not. I planned my trip to see this rest area because it sounded like it would be wonderful. I got there eairly so I could see the view of the city and watch the sun set on the very cool road runner. But the spot by shelter number five is the worst place because it seems to be the unofficial truck overflow. If I was making noise I assume the security would say something, so why did they not do anything about the...

New Mexico is truly a land of enchantment! The scenery is ever changing and the wide open spaces breathtaking. One of the best rest stops in America is located just west of Las Cruces, NM and well worth a brief stop. Sitting a little above it all, this beautiful place gives you a great sense of how vast the land is and how beautiful the mountains in the backdrop are. A welcome and refreshing respite this is a must see that is not in the typical tourist guide. A great spot to catch your breath and reflect on the wonders of creation while you take...