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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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! (1,742 reviews)
"Room was very spacious, almost like they didn't know how to put stuff in the room to make it comfy. Beds were okay. We stayed for one night so didn't experience to much. We got in late to sleep and head out the following morning. What probably bothered me the most is the sink drainage was super bad. ..."

Reviewed on 5 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 S$130 per night from 21 Aug to 22 Aug
S$130
21 Aug - 22 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! (1,675 reviews)
"Room was clean, price reasonable and price included a good breakfast the next morning."

Reviewed on 4 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 S$73 per night from 14 Aug to 15 Aug
S$73
14 Aug - 15 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! (269 reviews)
"I stayed for one night. The room was clean and neat. There was no noise, I slept well. Staff was helpful."

Reviewed on 5 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! (342 reviews)
"Cool location on top of a mountain. Loved the brick driveway. Condo was roomy with full kitchen. Refrigerated air was nice. Views were beautiful. Area was quiet, except for noisy neighbors above us. Parking is a little weird. Overall, the resort is in need of renovation. The condos, the pool house, ..."

Reviewed on 5 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! (313 reviews)
Good amenities
"Spacious bedroom set far enough away from the living room. Little kitchenette was very nice. Our bedroom had a separate bedroom vanity for me to put my make-up on so others could occupy the bathroom."

Reviewed on 29 Jul, 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.

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