New Mexico Highlands University is located in Las Vegas, San Miguel County, New Mexico, a community which gracefully combines numerous examples of traditional adobe homes and ornate Victorian-era houses. At an elevation of 6,400 feet, temperatures average 48/18 in January to 83/54 in July. Average annual snow and rainfall are 35 and 15 inches respectively while the high-desert climate boasts of sunshine 70% of the year.

Las Vegas, New Mexico

Las Vegas was founded in 1835 by Mexican settlers, whose family roots went back to the early 1600's when the Spanish arrived, Las Vegas was the first town wagon trains on the Santa Fe Trail, which went through the heart of town, hit after 600 miles of tough travel from the last town in Kansas. General Kearney in 1846 announced to the residents that they were no longer citizens of Mexico but under the "protection" of the Army of the United States of America. Located on the edge of the eastern plains at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the town became a key stop on the Santa Fe Trail and later host to outlaws, Rough Riders, and silent screen stars. Kit Carson, Billy the Kid, Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, Teddy Roosevelt, and Tom Mix all strolled these streets. The town's history is preserved in the city of Las Vegas Museum & Rough Riders collection.

Located 65 miles East from Santa Fe off I-25, Las Vegas is surrounded by recreation and wilderness experiences, all within easy driving distance of this charming, modern town where the historic buildings and eclectic architecture sit as silent reminders of the rollicking railroad era that began in 1879. Visitors are enchanted by self-guided walking tours, the Las Vegas City Museum and Rough Riders Memorial, and several picturesque historic districts including the Bridge Street and Plaza areas where there is a designated Santa Fe Trail site.