Recycled Roadrunner Sculpture
A colossal roadrunner sculpture made from recycled materials, offering a quirky roadside attraction with stunning mountain views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Golden hour magic
Recycled Roadrunner Sculpture
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colossal roadrunner sculpture made from recycled materials, offering a quirky roadside attraction with stunning mountain views.
"This giant recycled roadrunner is a creative marvel with breathtaking views of the Organ Mountains!"
📸 Golden Hour Photo Ops
Catch the best light for photos during sunrise or sunset. The Organ Mountains backdrop is stunning!
👟 Spot the Recycled Items
Get up close to find familiar objects like shoes, keyboards, and crutches incorporated into the art.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Giant Recycled Roadrunner
Scenic View Rest Area, West Mesa
A colossal roadrunner sculpture made from an eclectic mix of recycled items. Spot tennis shoes, keyboards, and more!
Panoramic Organ Mountain Views
Scenic View Rest Area
Breathtaking vistas of the Organ Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the unique roadside art.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Quirky Roadside Gem
Best Time for Views & Photos
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Golden Hour Photo Ops
Catch the best light for photos during sunrise or sunset. The Organ Mountains backdrop is stunning!
👟 Spot the Recycled Items
Get up close to find familiar objects like shoes, keyboards, and crutches incorporated into the art.
🚻 Clean Restrooms Available
The rest area offers clean facilities and picnic tables, perfect for a break.
🚗 Easy Access from I-10
Conveniently located at a rest stop off I-10, making it an easy stop for travelers.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Golden Hour Photo Ops
Catch the best light for photos during sunrise or sunset. The Organ Mountains backdrop is stunning!
👟 Spot the Recycled Items
Get up close to find familiar objects like shoes, keyboards, and crutches incorporated into the art.
🚻 Clean Restrooms Available
The rest area offers clean facilities and picnic tables, perfect for a break.
🚗 Easy Access from I-10
Conveniently located at a rest stop off I-10, making it an easy stop for travelers.
🚶 Stretch Your Legs
A great spot to get out of the car, explore the art, and enjoy the views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the creativity and uniqueness of the Recycled Roadrunner Sculpture, often calling it a 'neat' and 'interesting' piece of art. The stunning views of the Organ Mountains from the rest area are frequently praised, as are the clean facilities. Some enjoy the challenge of identifying the various recycled components.
"It's a full rest area with super clean bathrooms and has a security person onsite every time I've been. This is a sunrise from this beautiful vantage point on the edge of town. The view of the Organ Mountain Range is outstanding! The Recycled Roadrunner is really neat."
Stephanie Glover
"My husband and I loved this Sculpture! So creative! We spent time finding as many items we could find! Definitely stop by & stretch your legs and check it out!"
Irene Estlund
"This is a very nice rest stop with the World's Largest Roadrunner. The Roadrunner is made out of recycled materials like crutches, cd changers, var lights for eyes and lots and lots of tennis shoes. He's so interesting to look at. A great piece of art. Worth a stop to see!"
Gail Schwalbach
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The sculpture is located at the Scenic View rest area on the west side of Las Cruces, New Mexico, just off I-10. It's a convenient stop for travelers on this major highway.
Yes, ample parking is available at the Scenic View rest area, which serves as the access point for the sculpture.
Absolutely! It's prominently displayed at the rest stop and is hard to miss due to its size. Look for the signs for the Scenic View overlook.
While the rest area is accessible, the sculpture is best viewed and photographed during daylight hours, especially during sunrise or sunset for optimal lighting.
The sculpture is located on the western edge of Las Cruces, making it easily accessible for those driving through or staying in the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required. The sculpture is part of a public rest area and is free to view.
The sculpture is accessible whenever the rest area is open, which is typically 24/7. However, the best viewing times are during daylight hours.
No, the Scenic View rest area is a public facility and does not charge an admission fee.
Pets are generally allowed in rest areas but must be kept on a leash. Always check local regulations.
The sculpture can be visited year-round. However, spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather for exploring.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting, casting a warm glow on the sculpture and the Organ Mountains. Weekday mornings are also great for fewer crowds.
Any camera, from a smartphone to a DSLR, can capture the sculpture. Consider a wide-angle lens to get the entire structure and its surroundings in the frame.
Generally, there are no restrictions on personal photography at the rest area. However, commercial photography might require permission.
Experiment with different angles! From a distance to capture its scale against the mountains, or up close to highlight the recycled materials. 
Drone usage may be restricted in rest areas and near highways. It's best to check FAA regulations and local advisories before flying a drone.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
You can admire the unique sculpture, take photos, enjoy the panoramic views of the Organ Mountains, and use the clean restrooms and picnic facilities.
A visit typically takes about 15-30 minutes, depending on how long you spend admiring the art and taking photos.
Yes, the Scenic View rest area is equipped with clean restrooms and picnic tables, making it a comfortable stop.
The rest area is generally accessible, and the sculpture is visible from the main viewing areas.
The sculpture was created by artists Olin Calk and Dan Smith in 1993, using a variety of discarded materials to celebrate the New Mexico state bird.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 It's a fun, interactive way to teach children about recycling and art. The adjacent rest area offers clean restrooms and picnic tables, making it an ideal spot for a family break. The open space also allows kids to move around safely after being in the car. Visiting during daylight hours is best for visibility and safety. Consider bringing a small notebook and crayons for kids to draw their favorite recycled items they find on the sculpture. The scenic overlook also provides a great opportunity to talk about the Organ Mountains and the desert environment. It’s a memorable and educational stop that breaks up long drives with a dose of quirky art and natural beauty.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
The sculpture itself is a conversation starter, and the panoramic views of the Organ Mountains offer a beautiful moment of respite. Allocate about 20-30 minutes for your visit. This allows enough time to admire the art, take photos, and use the facilities. It’s an ideal spot for a quick picnic lunch or just to break up a long drive with a dose of quirky roadside Americana. Don't miss the chance to spot the various recycled materials that make up this impressive bird – it’s a fun detail that adds to its charm.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Upcycling: A Closer Look
+1 This approach not only reduces waste but also sparks conversation about sustainability and the potential beauty found in everyday objects. It's a fantastic example of how art can be both visually striking and environmentally conscious.Many visitors find the intricate details fascinating, spending time to discover each unique component. The sculpture's sheer scale, reportedly standing 20 feet tall and 40 feet long, makes it an impressive sight. Its location at a scenic overlook further enhances the experience, allowing people to appreciate the art while taking in the expansive desert landscape and the majestic Organ Mountains.
+1This piece is more than just a roadside attraction; it's a symbol of ingenuity and a reminder of the impact of recycling. It encourages viewers to think differently about 'junk' and to see the potential for transformation. The Recycled Roadrunner Sculpture is a must-see for anyone interested in unique art, roadside attractions, or sustainable practices.
Capturing the Perfect Shot: Photography Tips
This timing also tends to have fewer visitors, allowing for more relaxed shooting.When composing your shots, consider the scale. Get up close to highlight the textures and the variety of recycled materials used, such as old shoes and electronics.
+1 Then, step back to capture the entire sculpture with the majestic Organ Mountains as a backdrop. A wide-angle lens can be very effective for this. Don't forget to look for interesting details and patterns within the sculpture itself – these often make for compelling close-up shots.Remember that the rest area provides a safe and accessible platform for photography. While personal photography is generally welcome, be mindful of other visitors and any posted regulations. The Recycled Roadrunner Sculpture is a unique subject that rewards creative angles and thoughtful composition, making it a memorable stop for any photographer.
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