Adventuresome! Historic!
Located in a long open valley extending from NM State Highway 9 towards Mexico in the "boot heel" of New Mexico, Antelope Wells is one of the smallest ports along the entire border. The Antelope Wells Port of Entry is only open to non-commercial traffic, 8 AM - 4 PM, 7days a week and is adjacent to El Berrendo, the Mexican port of entry.

Despite the limited processing capabilities at Antelope Wells, the port is the gateway to a very unique region of northwest Chihuahua. This port of entry is the most direct route to the rugged eastern slope of the Sierra Madres and the productive farmlands surrounding Ascension, Janos, Casas Grandes, Nuevo Casas Grandes and Galeana. The historic ruins of Paquime are located near Casas Grandes as is the famous pottery community of Mata Ortiz. Mormon and Mennonite communities scattered throughout the region also offer culture that is uncommon elsewhere in Mexico.

Likewise, southwest New Mexico offers similar history and landscape. The Gila Cliff Dwellings near Silver City are deeply related to their "Paquime Connection". The flora and fauna of the boot heel are linked to those in Chihuahua and the Sierra Madre. The "old west" history of the region in southwest New Mexico is tied to the railroad, mining and infamous Apaches such as Geronimo and Cochise who roamed on both sides of the border. The ghost towns of Steins and Shakespeare near Lordsburg and museums in Silver City, Deming, and Columbus provide exciting images of the turbulent history.

Traveling to the United States
Antelope Wells can process Mexican citizens traveling into the United States.  Mexicans must present their laser visas or passports with travel visa. I-94 permits-"permisos"-may be obtained at the port. In New Mexico, State Highway 81 extends 41 miles from Hachita and State Highway 9 to Antelope Wells. There are no services for travelers between Hachita and Janos, Chihuahua, a distance of approximately 80 miles.

Traveling to the Mexico
Antelope Wells and El Berrendo offer limited services. Mexican immigration documents are not issued here. If traveling to Mexico, American citizens must have already obtained their Mexican immigration permits and temporary vehicle permits elsewhere. These documents can be obtained at other border ports or Mexican Consulates. Once across the border you will drive on an unpaved desert road stretching approximately 7 miles from the port of entry to its junction with Mexican Highway 2. It's recommend that your vehicle be capable of handling a light duty off-road venture when traveling on this desert road.

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