Southeastern New Mexico Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Roswell featuring street scenes
White Sands National Monument which includes desert views
White Sands National Monument showing vehicle touring and desert views
White Sands National Monument which includes desert views as well as a small group of people
Carlsbad Caverns National Park featuring caves

This region’s wild landscape encompasses limestone caves and shimmering white-sand dunes, while its history features Wild West outlaws and UFO sightings.

When it comes to remote areas of New Mexico, Southeastern New Mexico is one of the most beautiful. Enjoy enchanting natural wonders, clear skies for incredible stargazing and friendly rural communities who have retained a distinct cultural heritage that includes Native Americans, Spanish settlers and cattle ranchers.

Head to Carlsbad on the Pecos River to stroll through green public parks and view a sparkling lake. Enjoy the small-town atmosphere and barbecue restaurants that specialize in American comfort food. Southwest of Carlsbad is the Carlsbad Caverns National Park with more than 119 limestone caves to explore.

To the north of Carlsbad is Roswell, a city known for its association with aliens. Take a UFO tour to hear about the stories of sightings in the area and visit the International UFO Museum for alien souvenirs. Roswell also has fascinating art museums including the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art and the Roswell Museum and Art Center.

Explore the great outdoors at the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site where a rugged trail leads past ancient rock drawings dating back to 900 to 1400 A.D. Go sledding down shimmering white dunes at the White Sands National Monument, the largest field of gypsum in the world. In the winter, head to Ski Apache Resort to zip down freshly groomed slopes.

Don’t miss Fort Sumner’s Billy the Kid Museum. The displays of Billy the Kid memorabilia include everything from Wanted posters and rifles to chaps and spurs. Learn about the truth behind the stories about this mythical Wild West outlaw.

Roswell has an airport that serves Dallas and Los Angeles, but most visitors arrive to Southeastern New Mexico by car. Driving is not only the most reliable way to explore the region, but it is also the fastest way to travel across the vast terrain.

Journey to Southeastern New Mexico to discover its fascinating legends, find out more about its equally compelling real-life history and admire its dramatic rugged landscapes.

Where to stay in Southeastern New Mexico

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Bear Park

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Bear Park and surrounding area, you can visit Sacramento Peak Observatory and Sacramento Mountains Museum.

Bear Park
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Ponderosa Heights

While Ponderosa Heights isn't home to many top sights, The Links at Sierra Blanca and Grindstone Lake are some notable places to visit nearby.

Ponderosa Heights
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Sun Valley

When in Sun Valley, you can plan a visit to Ruidoso Winter Park and The Links at Sierra Blanca, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Sun Valley
White's City Cavern Inn

White's City Cavern Inn

2.5 out of 5
17 Carlsbad Cavern Hwy, Carlsbad, NM
Stay at this hotel in Carlsbad. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,741 reviews)
"If you are going to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, this location is perfect. Close, convenient, and clean. The staff are extremely helpful and friendly. The pool is available but the slides are only open on the weekend. That wasn't a big deal for us, but just including it in the review for others ..."

Reviewed on 10 Aug. 2025

White's City Cavern Inn
The Classic Desert Aire Hotel

The Classic Desert Aire Hotel

3 out of 5
1021 S White Sands Blvd, Alamogordo, NM
The price is NZ$169 per night from 19 Aug to 20 Aug
NZ$169
19 Aug - 20 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Alamogordo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,681 reviews)
"All was nice but the cigarette butts and the smell of people smoking"

Reviewed on 13 Aug. 2025

The Classic Desert Aire Hotel
CASH REWARDS INN & SUITES

CASH REWARDS INN & SUITES

2 out of 5
2300 N Main St, Roswell, NM
The price is NZ$95 per night from 21 Aug to 22 Aug
NZ$95
21 Aug - 22 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Roswell. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art and Roswell Museum ...
8/10 Very Good! (292 reviews)
"I stayed here for one night and felt very comfortable the entire time. The property had a warm feel, and everything worked smoothly, from check-in to check-out. I enjoyed spending time in the area, as there were plenty of places to eat and things to do nearby. The overall experience was pleasant ..."

Reviewed on 14 Aug. 2025

CASH REWARDS INN & SUITES
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
High Sierra Condominium

High Sierra Condominium

3 out of 5
504 Excalibur Rd, Ruidoso, NM
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly condo in Ruidoso. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Casino Apache Travel Center ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (150 reviews)
"Absolutely beautiful location! Breathtaking views, away from town, secluded drive up the mountain. Very clean and easy to navigate through check in through check out. Partially furnished with kitchen/cooking supplies (pots and pans) but if planning to do a lot of it, I'd take your own supplies. Wonderful ..."

Reviewed on 18 Jul. 2025

High Sierra Condominium
Crown Point Resort

Crown Point Resort

3 out of 5
220 Crown Drive, Ruidoso, NM
Stay at this 3-star condo in Ruidoso. Enjoy free parking, a fitness center, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Pillow's Funtrackers and Wingfield Park are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (345 reviews)
"Very disappointed about the pool area and the hot tub no working. They should have told us since that was one of the reasons we chose this property. Also the water at the pool was too warm. It should have been fresh since is summer and it was hot outside"

Reviewed on 8 Aug. 2025

Crown Point Resort
Village Lodge Condos

Village Lodge Condos

3 out of 5
1000 Mechem Drive, Ruidoso, NM
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly aparthotel in Ruidoso. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (315 reviews)
"Wonderful stay"

Reviewed on 11 Aug. 2025

Village Lodge Condos
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Southeastern New Mexico