I was born and raised in El Paso; my suggestion is, as you mentioned, hwy 54 out of Carrizozo NM, on down to 62/180. You'll see the Sacramento Mountains on your left, the Organ Mountains on your right; as you get close to Alamogordo you'll see White Sands on your right also. Out of El Paso, you'll pass through the Hueco Mountains, then you'll see the Guadalupes in the distance. You will go directly beneath the highest spot in Texas, Guadalupe Peak/El Capitan, then drive past Carlsbad Caverns. Scenery gets less interesting (flat) soon thereafter.
I miss my desert and mountains at times; I really need to head back for a good trip. I have some Harley friends in El Paso who come this way every couple of years to ride the Hill Country, but I think it's time for me to head that way for a bit.
Hope you have a great trip; post pics when you get back.
Dave
