Socorro, NM

Travel Guide
Socorro which includes farmland
Hike along the vast stretches of mountains and woodland, learn about the region’s extraterrestrial history and enjoy the rocky terrain of this desert city.

Socorro is a cultural city with a fascinating colonial and Native American past. Peruse intriguing gold and silver from the region in the town’s museum and learn about the UFO incident that took place in the area during the 1960s.

Hike the many trails that meander through the Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge a little to the south of the town. Enjoy the scenic views of rolling hills and mountains as you look for graceful birds of prey, including hawks, vultures and kestrels.

In the heart of Socorro you’ll find plenty of cultural and historic attractions. Visit the San Miguel de Socorro church, which was built in the 1800s. See the portion of adobe wall from the initial construction in the early 17th century.

Practice your swing at the New Mexico Tech Golf Course in the northwestern section of the town. The course’s 18 holes are spread across rolling green hills and offer spectacular views of the mountains on the horizon.

Visit the adjacent New Mexico Tech Mineral Museum to learn about the fascinating terrain of the region. Marvel at the gold, silver and other gems found locally. Learn about mining and its place in the development of New Mexico.

Look for the mural south of downtown Socorro that depicts the alleged UFO incident that took place in Socorro. The event, during which a policeman maintains he saw a spaceship and extraterrestrial entities in 1964, is considered one of the best-documented sightings in history.

The colonial history of Socorro dates back to the end of the 16th century when Spanish settlers first arrived in the region following an arduous voyage through the Jornada del Muerto desert. When the Teypana Indians came to their rescue with food and water, the Spanish used their own word for “help” to name the town.

Socorro is in the Rio Grande Valley in central New Mexico. Arrive at Albuquerque International Airport and travel south for 75 miles (120 kilometers) to get here. Visit nearby towns such as Magdalena, Alamo and Bosquecito.

Expect hot afternoons from June through August with cooler nights in this arid terrain. Flurries of snow fall in December, when temperatures dip below freezing in the evening.

Days Inn by Wyndham Socorro
Days Inn by Wyndham Socorro
2.5 out of 5
507 North California Street, Socorro, NM
The price is ₩86,048 per night from Jun 7 to Jun 8
₩86,048
per night
Jun 7 - Jun 8
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Socorro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
5.8/10 (446 reviews)
"Nice spacious room, very comfortable bed, excellent breakfast."

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Days Inn by Wyndham Socorro
Econo Lodge Socorro
Econo Lodge Socorro
2 out of 5
713 N.W. California St, Socorro, NM
The price is ₩112,095 per night from Jun 12 to Jun 13
₩112,095
per night
Jun 12 - Jun 13
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Socorro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"There was only one diner in the area, but it had good food, service, and was next door to the motel."

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

Econo Lodge Socorro
Best Western Socorro Hotel & Suites
Best Western Socorro Hotel & Suites
2.5 out of 5
1100 N California St, Socorro, NM
The price is ₩147,731 per night from Jun 12 to Jun 13
₩147,731
per night
Jun 12 - Jun 13
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Socorro. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (678 reviews)
"My niece was participating in the NM State Science Fair which was held at the school New Mexico Tech. The hotel was a good choice for location for lodging during that time. Thank you."

Reviewed on Apr 15, 2024

Best Western Socorro Hotel & Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Upper Canyon Inn & Cabins
Upper Canyon Inn & Cabins
3 out of 5
215 Main Road, Ruidoso, NM
Stay at this cabin in Ruidoso. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Grindstone Lake and Wingfield Park are located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (286 reviews)
"Great place. Would definitely go back."

Reviewed on May 5, 2024

Upper Canyon Inn & Cabins
Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging
Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging
3 out of 5
321 Kearney Ave, Santa Fe, NM
Stay at this aparthotel in Santa Fe. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,099 reviews)
"Away from busy town but within walking distance, just a hike up a hill. Areas that need attention are the leaking kitchen faucet and mold in bathroom near shower."

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Fort Marcy Hotel Suites by All Seasons Resort Lodging
Crown Point Resort by VRI Americas
Crown Point Resort by VRI Americas
3 out of 5
220 Crown Drive, Ruidoso, NM
Stay at this 3-star condo in Ruidoso. Enjoy free parking, a fitness center, and tennis courts. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (233 reviews)
"This place was great apartment was clean, everything we needed was provided. However the staff at the front desk was not very friendly. Otherwise good stay"

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2024

Crown Point Resort by VRI Americas
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Socorro

3.7
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
28
" "5 - Excellent 22.22222222222222%
4 - Good
49
" "4 - Good 38.888888888888886%
3 - Okay
37
" "3 - Okay 29.365079365079364%
2 - Disappointing
9
" "2 - Disappointing 7.142857142857143%
1 - Terrible
3
" "1 - Terrible 2.380952380952381%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Apr 6, 2020

I've always loved the town and the rich history. It's a beautiful spot in the world.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Mar 12, 2020

It might be better to live there (seems nice) than travel through there.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Feb 17, 2020

Its a very small town. The decent hotels are booked one year in advance for a very specialized course.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler
Feb 13, 2020

Blah

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Jan 16, 2020

We have stayed in Socorro many times on our travels from Michigan to Arizona. We have stayed at major branded properties such as Best Western and the Choice Hotels group. We chose a cheaper option this year - big mistake!!!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jan 3, 2020

I loved the old downtown area with all of the Christmas decorations and lights. There was a store on the main street, N. California St., that had a huge Christmas scene of small buildings and lights displayed in the windows of the store.