Southeastern New Mexico

Travel Guide

Roswell which includes street scenes
White Sands National Monument which includes desert views
White Sands National Monument featuring desert views and vehicle touring
White Sands National Monument which includes desert views as well as a small group of people
Carlsbad Caverns National Park showing 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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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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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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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
The price is S$148 per night from 24 Feb to 25 Feb
S$148
includes taxes & fees
24 Feb - 25 Feb
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! (1,639 reviews)
"If you are going to Carlsbad Caverns you can not stay any closer."

Reviewed on 20 Feb,2025

White's City Cavern Inn
Ruidoso Mountain Inn
Ruidoso Mountain Inn
2.5 out of 5
25971 US Highway 70, Ruidoso, NM
The price is S$120 per night from 24 Feb to 25 Feb
S$120
includes taxes & fees
24 Feb - 25 Feb
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ruidoso. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very good! (1,006 reviews)
Perfect stay!
"This place is exactly what is shown! We ended up going here after a horrible night in a rundown motel in T or C, and I couldn’t be happier with the choice. The front staff was excellent, breakfast was okay, room was really comfortable. I would say the only downside was the heath/fan for the bathroom ..."

Reviewed on 19 Feb,2025

Ruidoso Mountain Inn
Elevate Hotel at Sierra Blanca Ruidoso, Ascend Hotel Collection
Elevate Hotel at Sierra Blanca Ruidoso, Ascend Hotel Collection
3.5 out of 5
25980 US Highway 70, Ruidoso, NM
The price is S$141 per night from 2 Mar to 3 Mar
S$141
includes taxes & fees
2 Mar - 3 Mar
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Ruidoso. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on 19 Feb,2025

Elevate Hotel at Sierra Blanca Ruidoso, Ascend Hotel Collection
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.
Crown Point Resort by VRI Americas
Crown Point Resort by VRI Americas
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! (277 reviews)
"Everything in this property was great. From the area where its located, To everything in & out the Condo. The parking, The rooms, The space, The Balcony/Patio view and also the items left in the condo for people to use. Even though i didn’t use any since I carry my own. I still found that amazing. ..."

Reviewed on 12 Feb,2025

Crown Point Resort by VRI Americas
Upper Canyon Inn & Cabins
Upper Canyon Inn & Cabins
3 out of 5
215 Main Road, Ruidoso, NM
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Ruidoso. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Grindstone Lake and Wingfield Park are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (329 reviews)
"Nice place to stay for a weekend."

Reviewed on 12 Feb,2025

Upper Canyon Inn & Cabins
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! (125 reviews)
"It was just beautiful and peaceful nothing wrong at all and staff was very nice."

Reviewed on 17 Feb,2025

High Sierra Condominium
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