There is a lot to do when you are staying in Roswell!  There are many State Parks, a refuge and so much more! More and more people are discovering the excitement of Roswell and Southeastern New Mexico. (click on title for more information)

Historic Lincoln/Capitan/Ft. Sumner
Enjoy a scenic drive on Highway 70/380 West to Lincoln - where “Billy The Kid” staged his famous jail break. You can also see where the historical “Old Lincoln” still stands. 12 miles Southwest of Lincoln is Old Ft. Sumner where you can visit Billy the Kid’s grave and museum. 12 miles east of Lincoln is the home of “Smokey Bear”, the national symbol of forest fire prevention. You can visit Smokey Bear Historical Park, where Smokey was buried in 1976.

White Sands National Monument
Here, great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand have engulfed 275 square miles of desert and have created the world’s largest gypsum dune field. The brilliant white dunes are ever changing: growing, cresting, then slumping, but always advancing. Slowly but relentlessly the sand, driven by strong southwest winds, covers everything in its path. Located approx. 170 miles west of Roswell on U.S. Highway 285. Sled without the cold — bring your wax and snow sleds for this park! Visitor Information 505-679-2599

Sunspot National Solar Observatory
Sunspot, atop Sacramento Peak (el. 9,200 ft.) in the Lincoln National Forest, is the New Mexico home of the National Solar Observatory (other facilities are in Arizona and around the world). It was established in 1948 by the U.S. Air Force and now is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy for the National Science Foundation. Sunspot sits well inside the Lincoln National Forest at the end of NM 6563, the Sunspot Scenic Byway, about 16 miles from Cloudcroft. Guided tours are available daily during the summer. Educational groups are welcome at all times with advance notice. Contact numbers are 505-434-7190 (visitor center) and 505-434-7003 (class visits)

Three Rivers National Petroglyph Recreational Area
Take US Highway 70 to Tularosa, then drive about 13 miles north on US Highway 54 to the “Three Rivers” sign. The Three Rivers Petroglyph Site is one of the few locations in the Southwest set aside solely because of its rock art. It is also one of the few sites giving visitors such direct access to petroglyphs. The number and concentration of petroglyphs here make it one of the largest and most interesting petroglyph sites in the Desert Southwest. Call 505-438-7400 for more information.

Ruidoso/Lincoln National Forest
Just west of Roswell on US highway 70 is Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs. A thriving artist colony with many galleries and gift shops along Sudderth Drive. You can also enjoy the thrill of horse racing, take your chances at the local casinos or just enjoy a hike or bike ride through the Lincoln National Forest. The Hubbard Museum of the American West is also located in Ruidoso Downs. Mount a life size horse with a real western saddle. Located right next door to the world-famous Ruidoso Downs Race Track, home of the $2 million All American Futurity. For even more culture, don’t miss a live show at the beautiful Spencer Theatre. Call 888-268-8811 for more information.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park
96 miles south of Roswell on US 285. The park contains more than 100 known caves, including Lechugilla Cave — the nation’s deepest limestone cave (1,567 feet) and third longest. You can’t miss The Big Room, eight football fields big. There are self-guided and ranger-guided tours. 505-785-2232

Living Desert State Park
Dedicated to the interpretation of the Chihuahuan Desert, Living Desert State Park is an indoor/outdoor living museum displaying more than 40 native animal species and hundred of succulents from around the world. While on the 1.3 mile self-guided tour, which takes approximately 1.5 hours, visitors will discover sand dunes and mountainous areas, where piñon and juniper trees contrast with the desert floor below. 76 miles south of Roswell on US 285. Winter, open walk through 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Call 505-887-5516 for more information.

Brantley Lake State Park
Fishing, camping, boating, water-skiing, windsurfing, and picnics. The visitors center includes historical exhibits about the Wild West town of Seven Rivers. 62 miles south of Roswell on US 285. 505-457-2384

Sitting Bull Falls
A lovely spot in a dead-end canyon with a 130-foot waterfall, a picnic area, natural swimming pools, and plenty of places to climb, hike and camp in the Lincoln National Forest Waterfalls, rock climbing, beautiful picnic facilities. 78 miles south of Roswell on US 285. Turnoff is directly across from Brantley Lake State Park.

Mescalero Sands
Over 610 acres of towering sand  dunes await your enjoyment.  There are picnic tables and shelters at the Bowl
Parking Area. The  cottonwood Site has three shelters
equipped with picnic table and grills. The restroom is
also located at the Cottonwood site. There is no water available at Mescalero Sands. From Roswell travel east 45 miles on US Highway 380 and turn south at the sign.  or more information contact the Bureau of Land Management
505-627-0272

Valley of Fires Recreation Area
Valley of Fires has 19 campsites with picnic shelters, tables, grills and water. RV electrical hookups are available at 14 sites. Two of the sites are wheelchair accessible as are the restrooms. Tent camping sites are available and there is an RV dump station. Hikers can enjoy the Malpais Nature Trail.  The trail is paved, has a guide brochure and approximately one-third of the trail is wheelchair accessible. 3 miles west of Carrizozo via US 380 For more information contact the Bureau of Land Management (505) 627-0272

Spring River Park and Zoo
Located in Roswell. The only free zoo in New Mexico offering a youth fishing lake, an antique carousel and miniature train that the kids and young at heart can ride, picnic facilities, and playgrounds. The zoo is open every day, weather permitting.
The zoo is also Located in Roswell at the eastern terminus of the Spring River Recreational Trail.  This trail runs several miles from east to west of Roswell through several parks, next to the Roswell Museum and Art Center, and ends in Enchanted Lands Park.

Bitter Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
Migratory fowl, designated fishing and hunting areas.  Beautiful scenery, dragonflies and more!  Take US 285 north from Roswell to Pine Lodge Road.  Go east for approximately 9 miles.  Open 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. everyday. 505-622-6755

Bottomless Lakes State Park
New Mexico’s first state park.  Includes several lakes which are actually sinkholes and originally thought to be bottomless. Fishing permitted with license.  Overnight campsites are also available.  To get to the park from Roswell, take US 380 east for 12 miles and then south on NM 409 for 3 miles. The area is also famous for its “Pecos Diamonds”, which are actually quartz crystals formed inside the gypsum in the soil. For fees, camping and other information, call (505) 624-6058.