Trail · Southwest NM
Peña Blanca Wilderness Study Area
On the eastern edge of Las Cruces; the Peña Blanca rock shelters are the site of the earliest known cultivated corn in the U.S.
Vado · Southwest NM
Vado is a small census-designated place in southeastern Doña Ana County, New Mexico, known for its historic roots as the first all-African American settlement in the territory and its location along El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail in the Mesilla Valley.
Overview
Vado sits in the Mesilla Valley on the east side of the Rio Grande, with Interstate 10 forming its eastern edge. As of the 2020 census it had a population of 2,930 and an elevation of 3,826 feet. It lies about 15 miles south of Las Cruces and forms part of the Las Cruces Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Things to Do
Vado Speedway Park hosts a full season of dirt-track racing events including anniversary nights, fireworks displays, and themed evenings such as Kids Bike Night and First Responders Night. The surrounding high desert offers extensive trails and recreation areas including Peña Blanca Wilderness Study Area, Tortugas Mountain Recreation Area, Sierra Vista Trail, Dripping Springs Natural Area, and Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument with its campsites and hiking routes.
Food and Drink
Vado itself is a small residential community with limited dining options, so visitors typically head to nearby Las Cruces for New Mexican favorites featuring red or green chile and classic dishes such as sopaipillas and bizcochitos.
Getting There
Interstate 10 provides direct access via Exit 155. Las Cruces lies 17 miles north and El Paso 32 miles south. The community sits along the historic El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro route.
Where to Stay
Vado offers few lodging choices; travelers generally stay in Las Cruces, which provides a full range of hotels, motels, and vacation rentals convenient to the speedway and regional trails.
Culture and Protocol
Vado was founded in the early 1900s by Francis Marion Boyer and Ella Louise McGruder Boyer as the first all-African American settlement in the New Mexico Territory. Respect local historic sites along the El Camino Real trail and follow any posted guidelines at nearby public lands.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities and racing events at Vado Speedway Park. Summer brings hot days ideal for evening races, while winter remains mild with occasional cool nights.
Frequently asked
Is Vado walkable?
Vado is a small residential community spread along I-10 with limited sidewalks; most visitors drive to attractions and use Las Cruces for additional services.
How far is Vado from Las Cruces?
Vado is approximately 15 to 17 miles south of Las Cruces via Interstate 10.
What is Vado known for historically?
Vado is recognized as the first all-African American settlement in the New Mexico Territory, founded in the early 1900s by the Boyer family, and lies on the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail.
When is the best time to visit Vado Speedway?
The speedway runs events from spring through fall, with popular nights including Flag Day, Independence Night, and the Fall Nationals.
Upcoming events in Vado
Saturday, June 20
Saturday, June 27
- All day
Vado Speedway - First Week of Summer
Vado Speedway Park · Vado
Saturday, July 4
- All day
Vado Speedway - Independence Night
Vado Speedway Park · Vado
Saturday, July 11
- All day
Vado Speedway - MVT Fireworks Night
Vado Speedway Park · Vado
Outdoor activities near Vado
- Trail · Southwest NM
Tortugas Mountain Recreation Area
A small, hump-backed mountain rising above the East Mesa to an elevation of 4,928 feet.
- Trail · Southwest NM
Soledad Canyon Day Use Area
At the juncture of Bar Canyon and Soledad Canyon in the western foothills of the Organ Mountains.
- Trail · Southwest NM
Sierra Vista Trail
A 29-mile National Recreation Trail along the western flank of the Organ Mountains and eastern Franklin Mountains.
- Trail · Southwest NM
Dripping Springs Natural Area
Over four miles of easy hiking trails at the foot of the Organ Mountains near Las Cruces.
Fee - Campsite · Southwest NM
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument
Protects prehistoric, historic, geologic, and biologic resources across four areas: the Organ Mountains, Desert Peaks, Potrillo Mountains, and Doña Ana Mountains. Provides opportunities for photography, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
- Trail · Southwest NM
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument
Protects prehistoric, historic, geologic, and biologic resources across four areas near Las Cruces.
- Trail · Southwest NM
La Cueva
An archeological rock shelter at the foot of the Organ Mountains outside Las Cruces, New Mexico.
- Farmers market · Southwest NM
Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market
A large twice-weekly market filling downtown Main Street with southern New Mexico produce, Hatch and Mesilla Valley chile in season, and a celebrated juried crafts section.
No fee - Trail · Southwest NM
Organ Mountains Wilderness Area
Located in south-central New Mexico on the eastern edge of Las Cruces.
- Trail · Southwest NM
Picacho Peak Recreation Area
A 4,959-foot volcanic mountain northwest of Las Cruces with mountain biking, hiking, and equestrian trails.
- Trail · Southwest NM
Aden Lava Flow Wilderness Study Area
Located 20 miles southwest of Las Cruces in the Chihuahuan Desert.
Sources & verification
Every fact below was independently verified against the cited source.
- Population of 2,930 as of 2020 census en.wikipedia.org · verified June 12, 2026
- Elevation of 3,826 ft en.wikipedia.org · verified June 12, 2026
- First all-African American settlement in the territory, founded by Francis Marion Boyer and Ella Louise McGruder Boyer nps.gov · verified June 12, 2026
- Located in southeastern Doña Ana County in the Mesilla Valley, on the east side of the Rio Grande; I-10 at Exit 155, 17 miles north to Las Cruces en.wikipedia.org · verified June 12, 2026