Approximate location — plotted from published sources, not a site visit, and not a guarantee of access.
On the western West Potrillo Mountains southwest of Las Cruces, Whitethorn Wilderness is named for whitethorn acacia that feeds quail and mule deer. The wider Potrillo complex is a field of cinder cones, playas, and lava with Highway 9 access along the Mexican border. Travel is cross-country on public land.