Roswell, New Mexico: 10 Short Scenic Road Trips Nearby

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10 Easy Road Trips from Roswell, New Mexico (All Outside Chaves County)

If you’re based in Roswell, New Mexico and you’ve already seen all the UFO spots and local attractions, you might be wondering, “Okay… now what?” The good news: Roswell is a perfect hub for short, out-of-county road trips. Within just a couple of hours, you can find mountains, sand dunes, lakes, old forts, and some very quirky small towns. Below are 10 fun road trip ideas from Roswell, all outside Chaves County, focused on nearby counties like Lincoln, Eddy, Otero, Lea, Roosevelt, and De Baca. These make great weekend adventures or even day trips.

1. Explore Historic Lincoln – Billy the Kid Country (Lincoln County)

If you love Old West history, Lincoln, NM is a must-see. It’s about a 1.5–2 hour drive west of Roswell and feels like stepping back into the 1800s.
  • Walk the same streets where Billy the Kid once did.
  • Visit preserved buildings, museums, and old jails.
  • Check out the Lincoln Historic Site and local shops.
Many of the buildings are original, so it feels more like a living movie set than a typical tourist stop. If you’re into photography, go in the late afternoon. The low sun on the old adobe walls is hard to beat.

2. Hit the Mountains in Ruidoso (Lincoln County)

Looking for cooler temps and pine trees? Ruidoso is a popular mountain escape about 2 hours from Roswell. You can:
  • Walk around Midtown Ruidoso for shopping, art, and coffee.
  • Try hiking or biking in the nearby national forest.
  • In winter, head up to Ski Apache for skiing or snowboarding.
Families, couples, and solo travelers all find something here. It’s one of those places where you can do a lot or just sit on a patio and relax.

3. Raft, Hike, and Picnic at Bottomless Lakes’ Cousin – Brantley Lake State Park (Eddy County)

You’ve probably heard of Bottomless Lakes near Roswell, but for a different water experience outside the county, head south to Brantley Lake State Park near Carlsbad in Eddy County. At Brantley Lake, you can:
  • Enjoy boating, kayaking, and fishing.
  • Have a lakeside picnic with wide-open desert views.
  • Camp overnight and watch the stars.
It’s quiet, wide open, and peaceful. If you’re craving water and sky, this is a simple trip with a big payoff.

4. Spend a Day in Carlsbad – Gateway to Adventure (Eddy County)

Carlsbad is more than just an entry point to the famous caverns. It’s a solid small city with enough to fill a full day. Things to do:
  • Walk or bike along the Pecos River waterfront.
  • Check out local restaurants and diners.
  • Use it as a base for nearby state parks and scenic drives.
Many travelers use Carlsbad as their “home base” for southern New Mexico adventures. From Roswell, it’s about a 2–2.5 hour drive, depending on your route.

5. White Sands National Park – A Surreal Sand Playground (Otero County)

Want to feel like you landed on another planet (without leaving Earth)? Head to White Sands National Park in Otero County, near Alamogordo. Here’s what makes it special:
  • Massive white gypsum sand dunes that go on for miles.
  • Sand sledding – bring a sled or buy one nearby.
  • Sunset walks with unreal colors and wide-open skies.
It’s roughly a 3-hour drive from Roswell, but it’s worth every mile. Take plenty of water, sun protection, and maybe a picnic. This is one of those places where you’ll keep saying, “Wow,” even if you’re not normally that kind of person.

6. Alamogordo – Desert Views, Pistachios, and Space History (Otero County)

On the same trip as White Sands, stop in Alamogordo. It’s a friendly town with a mix of quirky and educational stops. You can:
  • Visit local pistachio farms and taste flavored nuts and wines.
  • Explore the area’s space and missile heritage at museums and displays.
  • Enjoy desert sunsets with mountain backdrops.
Alamogordo pairs perfectly with White Sands, turning your road trip into a full, well-rounded day or weekend.

7. Visit Portales – College Town With a Chill Vibe (Roosevelt County)

Portales in Roosevelt County sits about 1.5–2 hours northeast of Roswell. It’s home to Eastern New Mexico University, which gives the town a laid-back, youthful feel. In Portales, you might:
  • Walk around the university campus.
  • Check out local coffee shops and small restaurants.
  • Visit area museums or community events, depending on the season.
If you enjoy watching small-town life and people-watching, this is a nice, low-pressure day trip.

8. Clovis – Trains, Tunes, and a Taste of the High Plains (Roosevelt/Neighboring Area)

A bit farther north from Roswell, you can make a full-day drive up toward Clovis, which pairs well with Portales. Clovis has:
  • A strong railroad history and classic small-town downtown.
  • Links to early rock-and-roll recording history.
  • Plenty of chain and local eateries for a simple “get out of town” day.
If you like seeing a different side of New Mexico—more plains, fewer mountains—this drive gives you that open-space feel.

9. Fort Sumner & Billy the Kid Museum – Small Town, Big Legends (De Baca County)

In De Baca County, Fort Sumner is another key stop for Old West fans and history lovers. You can:
  • Visit the Billy the Kid Museum.
  • Explore Old Fort Sumner area history.
  • Learn about the region’s past, from frontier days to modern ranching.
The drive from Roswell is relaxed and pretty, with wide horizons and that quiet rural feel. It’s one of those places where you can slow down and really take in the history.

10. Hobbs – Racing, Gaming, and Nightlife Energy (Lea County)

If you’re in the mood for a bit more action, head east to Hobbs in Lea County. It’s about 2–2.5 hours from Roswell. In Hobbs, you can:
  • Check out the local racetrack and casino scene.
  • Try some regional restaurants and barbecue joints.
  • Use it as a launch point for exploring more of Lea County and nearby Texas.
This makes a great trip if you want something different from the usual mountain or desert nature trips—more lights, more energy, and a bit of nightlife.

Tips for Planning Your Roswell Road Trips

To make these out-of-county trips from Roswell smoother, keep a few simple tips in mind:
  • Check drive times: Most of these are between 1.5 and 3 hours away.
  • Fuel up: Service stations can be spread out in rural New Mexico.
  • Pack water and snacks: The desert can sneak up on you, especially in summer.
  • Watch the weather: Summer heat and winter storms can both affect travel.
  • Bring layers: Mountain spots like Ruidoso can be much cooler than Roswell.
Mix and match destinations to build your own weekend routes. For example:
  • Ruidoso + Lincoln in one loop.
  • White Sands + Alamogordo as a 1–2 day trip.
  • Portales + Clovis for a “high plains” weekend.

Ready to Road Trip Beyond Roswell?

Roswell is famous for UFOs and aliens, but the real secret is how many easy road trips you can take from here. Within just a few hours, you can stand on glowing white dunes, walk through Old West towns, listen to the wind in the pines, or relax by a quiet lake. Which of these out-of-county trips will you try first? Have you already done any of them? What did you like (or not like) about the drive? Share your thoughts in the comments and let others know your favorite spots near Roswell. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family who might be planning a New Mexico road trip. The more ideas we trade, the better our adventures get.
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