Walking Sands Rest Area Southbound – I-25
I-25 southbound travelers near La Joya in Socorro County, New Mexico, can pull in at Walking Sands Rest Area. Reported truck parking: 8 spaces. The next southbound stop is Fort Craig Rest Area – Southbound, 53 mi ahead by the mile markers.
Next rest stop on I-25 Southbound
Fort Craig Rest Area – Southbound53 mi ahead by the mile markers · New Mexico · Mile marker 114Previous southbound stop: Fort Union Rest Area – Southbound · 209 mi back by the mile markers
Location map
Marker shows recorded coordinates, not an entrance or approved driving route. Follow highway signs.
Open directionsReported parking capacity
Reported capacity from the 2019 federal truck parking survey (FHWA Jason's Law). This is not real-time vacancy information.
Facilities and amenities
Facilities have not been individually confirmed in the available structured record.
Unknown (not documented in the sources): Restrooms, Family restroom, Accessible facilities, Drinking water, Picnic tables, Pet area, Vending machines, Public phone.
A reported facility does not guarantee current availability.
About this rest area
Walking Sands Rest Area is a stop for southbound travelers on I-25 near La Joya in New Mexico. For closures before a long drive, check 511 or the New Mexico Department of Transportation.
Location and driving direction
The rest area sits on the southbound side of I-25 near La Joya in Socorro County. The recorded position is around mile marker 167. Southbound, you reach it after exit 169; the next exit after the rest area is exit 163. You do not take an exit to get there: the rest area has its own ramp, signed "Rest Area" in advance.
Heading the other way? Use Walking Sands Rest Area – Northbound (northbound) instead; the two sides are not connected for drivers.
Further along I-25, Fort Craig Rest Area – Southbound follows after roughly 53 miles.
Parking and amenities
Truck parking: 8 reported spaces (the 2019 federal truck parking survey (FHWA Jason's Law)).
Space counts describe reported capacity, not live parking availability.
How long can you stay?
New Mexico allows a vehicle to stay at a rest area for up to 24 hours within any three-day period. Always follow the limit posted on site. Source: NMSA 67-8-22 (checked November 2026).
Coordinates
34.305584, -106.890385
Frequently asked questions
Which side of I-25 is this rest area on?
It serves southbound traffic on Interstate 25 near La Joya. The northbound lanes have a separate facility.
Where is the next rest stop?
Fort Craig Rest Area – Southbound, about 53 miles further along I-25 by the official mile markers.