In southeast New Mexico, the local terrain does most of the talking. Across the region, you’ll find plenty of traces of frontier towns, historic rail stops, Native lands, and even out-of-this-world encounters! Whatever the draw, southeast New Mexico offers a slower rhythm that’s hard to shake off.
Roswell: UFOs, Art, and Unexpected Delights
First stop: Roswell. Visit the International UFO Museum and explore Roswell's alien-themed downtown. Do you want to believe? Head to the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art and discover hundreds of pieces of unique art, all created by artists who were a part of the Roswell Artist in Residency program! While you’re there, explore the biologically unique Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge for birding and nature trails.
Ruidoso & Mescalero Apache Tribe
In Ruidoso, enjoy a taste of outdoor adventure at Ski Apache, Grindstone Lake, or Inn of the Mountain Gods, where you can enjoy ziplining, golf, casino games, and luxury accommodations. Visit the Mescalero Apache Cultural Center to learn about the tribe’s history, or shop, dine, and catch live music in Ruidoso’s buzzing Midtown.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park draws visitors underground to explore one of the largest and most intricate cave systems in the world. In the summer months, evening bat flights offer a striking natural spectacle. Above ground, the surrounding desert and canyonlands provide space for long hikes, quiet drives, and wide-open skies. Lodging options nearby make it easy to stay and take your time.
Fort Sumner: The Last Ride of Billy the Kid
Fort Sumner is where history meets legend. At the Old Fort Sumner Historic Site (and nearby museum), you can trace the final chapter of Billy the Kid’s life and learn how fact and folklore have shaped his Old West legacy. The site offers insight into frontier life and its role in broader U.S. history, including its ties to military expansion and regional conflicts.
Area 51 is in Nevada! However, the UFO crash site is famous to Roswell, New Mexico. There is the International UFO Museum in downtown Roswell where you can get all your alien information.
There is the Hobbs Regional Airport, which fields flights from Houston and Denver — hubs for those who want to avoid a long drive from neighboring states. Additionally, the Roswell Air Center has a direct flight to Dallas-Fort Worth.
