Sunspot Solar Observatory


One of the world's largest solar observatories is near Sunspot, 20 miles south of Cloudcroft. Though it's primarily for scientists, tourists can enter the visitor center, walk through the observatory (when staffed) and follow a short walking-tour path around the grounds. The high and beautiful Sunspot Scenic Byway leads to the site, with the mountains to the east and White Sands to the west. From Cloudcroft, take Hwy 130 to Hwy 6563. Fill your tank before you set off.

The Dunn Solar Telescope is open to the public when in use, typically on weekday mornings. Guided tours are offered from June through August at 2pm Friday through Monday.

A scale model of our solar system, with signs noting the location of each planet (or former planet), begins with Pluto at the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, continues along NM 6563 and ends with the sun at the observatory. There is no Uranus sign because people keep stealing it!


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. New Mexico Museum of Space History

10.96 MILES

Looming over the northeast corner of town and nicknamed 'the golden cube,' this four-story museum is surrounded by historic missiles, and holds excellent…

2. Tularosa Basin Museum of History

11.32 MILES

Thoroughly regional little museum, spotlighting ancient people, ranching life, the military and local families of note. Lots of small-town artifacts too,…

3. Alameda Park & Zoo

11.45 MILES

Said to be the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi, established in 1898, this small but well-run place features exotics from around the world. Assuming…

4. Toy Train Depot

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Railroad buffs and kids flock to this 1898 railway depot, for five rooms of train memorabilia and toy trains, and a 2.5-mile narrow-gauge minitrain ($5)…

5. Mexican Canyon Trestle Overlook

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Built in 1899 to carry timber down to Alamogordo for the El Paso and Northeastern Railroad, the railway line here twisted up the Sacramento Mountains for…

6. La Luz & Tularosa

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7. White Sands National Park

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Undulating through the Tularosa Basin like something out of a dream, these ethereal dunes are a highlight of any trip to New Mexico, and a must on every…

8. Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation

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Around 4000 Apache – not only Mescalero, but also Chiricahua and Lipan – live on this reservation, stretching approximately 720 sq miles south and west of…