on
Los Lunas
- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
10 Easy Road Trips From Alamogordo, NM: Iconic Things To Do Just Outside Otero County
If you live in Alamogordo, New Mexico or you’re visiting White Sands and have a couple of extra days, you’re in luck. Within just a few hours’ drive, you’ll find quirky small towns, hot springs, alien museums, mountain getaways, and even a slice of Texas canyon country. To keep things simple, every idea below is outside Otero County1. Roswell UFO Adventure – Chaves County, NM
Roswell is probably the most famous road trip from Alamogordo, and it’s about 2 hours northeast by car. If you’ve ever wondered what really happened in 1947, this is your spot. The whole town leans into the alien theme in a fun, not-too-serious way. Don’t miss:- International UFO Museum & Research Center – Cheesy in the best way. Old news clippings, models, exhibits, and plenty of “could it be real?” moments.
- Alien streetlights and murals – Even the lamps have alien heads. It’s great for photos.
- UFO-themed shops – T-shirts, magnets, and weird little souvenirs you didn’t know you needed.
2. Lincoln Historic District – Lincoln County, NM
About 1.5 to 2 hours north of Alamogordo, the village of Lincoln feels like you drove straight into an Old West movie. This tiny town was the heart of the famous Lincoln County War and home turf for Billy the Kid. What to see:- Billy the Kid Historic Sites – Old jails, the courthouse, and buildings where the real drama went down.
- Lincoln Historic Site walking tour – Easy to do on your own; interpretive signs tell the stories.
- Small museums and gift shops – Great if you like Western history.
3. Ruidoso Mountain Escape – Lincoln County, NM
Want pine trees, cool air, and a real “mountain town” vibe? Ruidoso is roughly 1.5 hours north of Alamogordo and makes an ideal summer escape from the heat. Highlights:- Midtown Ruidoso – Boutiques, coffee shops, local art, and casual restaurants.
- Hiking and mountain biking – Trails range from easy walks to more challenging climbs.
- Winter skiing and snow play (in season) – At nearby Ski Apache.
4. Carlsbad Caverns National Park – Eddy County, NM
About 3 hours southeast from Alamogordo, Carlsbad Caverns is one of the most unforgettable road trips you can take in this part of New Mexico. You head down into a giant underground world that feels like something out of a fantasy novel. What makes it special:- Big Room self-guided tour – A paved path through enormous caverns filled with stalactites and stalagmites.
- Natural Entrance Trail – Walk down into the cave from the surface instead of taking the elevator.
- Evening bat flight program (seasonal) – Sit at the amphitheater and watch thousands of bats spiral out of the cave at dusk.
5. Sitting Bull Falls – Eddy County, NM
If you’re already near Carlsbad Caverns, Sitting Bull Falls is a great add-on. It’s about an hour west of Carlsbad, tucked into the Lincoln National Forest. In the middle of rugged desert, you’ll find a surprisingly lush oasis with waterfalls and pools. Why go:- Short walk to the falls – Paved and easy for most visitors.
- Picnic shelters – Pack lunch and make a half-day of it.
- Cooling off in the water – Check current rules, but many people enjoy wading or splashing near the falls.
6. Las Cruces & Old Mesilla – Doña Ana County, NM
Doña Ana County is just southwest of Alamogordo, and Las Cruces is usually about a 1.5-hour drive depending on your route. Here, you get a nice mix of city comforts, desert scenery, and history. Top stops:- Old Mesilla Plaza – Historic church, adobe buildings, and a charming central plaza with shops and restaurants.
- Local New Mexican food – Red or green chile on everything; you can’t go wrong with enchiladas or huevos rancheros.
- Organ Mountains views – Even if you don’t hike, the mountains make a stunning backdrop for photos.
7. Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks & White Sands Viewpoints – Doña Ana County, NM
While White Sands itself is in your backyard near Alamogordo, the Organ Mountains sit across the way in Doña Ana County and offer a different kind of desert beauty. From Alamogordo, head toward Las Cruces and plan time to explore the Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks National Monument area. Things to do:- Dripping Springs Natural Area – Easy to moderate trails, historic ruins, and big mountain views.
- Scenic drives – Desert landscapes with peaks that glow at sunrise and sunset.
- Photography – The contrast between rugged rock and open desert is stunning.
8. Truth or Consequences Hot Springs – Sierra County, NM
About 2.5 hours northwest of Alamogordo, the town of Truth or Consequences (locals say “T or C”) is famous for its natural hot springs. Imagine soaking in a warm mineral pool while looking out over the Rio Grande. Not a bad way to spend a weekend. Why it’s worth the drive:- Riverside hot springs spas – Many hotels and bathhouses offer hourly soaks in private or shared pools.
- Laid-back small-town vibe – Murals, galleries, and quirky shops.
- Nearby Elephant Butte Lake – Boating, fishing, and picnicking if you want to mix water play with relaxation.
9. Guadalupe Mountains National Park – Culberson County, TX
Crossing into Texas opens up even more road trip options. Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Culberson County is about 3.5 to 4 hours southeast of Alamogordo. It’s one of the lesser-visited national parks, which means more space and quiet for you. What to expect:- Big hiking country – From desert floors to forested canyons and high peaks.
- Guadalupe Peak trail – A tough but rewarding hike to the highest point in Texas (over 8,700 feet).
- McKittrick Canyon – Known for its fall colors and scenic canyon walls.
10. El Paso City Break & Scenic Desert – El Paso & Hudspeth Counties, TX
For a mix of city life and desert scenery, head about 2 hours south to El Paso, Texas, in El Paso County, with nearby Hudspeth County offering more open desert and scenic drives. In El Paso:- Scenic Drive Overlook – A short drive with a big payoff: sweeping views of the city and into Mexico.
- Downtown murals and historic buildings – Great for a walking tour.
- Tex-Mex and border cuisine – Tacos, enchiladas, and more, with plenty of local flavor.
- Long, open highways – If you like peaceful drives with wide horizons, you’ll find them here.
- Stargazing – Away from the city lights, the night sky can be incredible.
Tips for Road Tripping From Alamogordo
A few quick pointers to make these drives smoother:- Check drive times – New Mexico looks small on the map, but distances can be longer than you think.
- Watch the weather – Summer heat, winter snow in higher elevations, and monsoon storms can all affect travel.
- Carry water and snacks – Some stretches, especially toward Texas or between small towns, don’t have many services.
- Gas up early – Don’t wait until the tank is almost empty in rural areas.
Ready to Explore Beyond Alamogordo?
From alien-themed museums in Roswell to hot springs in T or C and caverns in Carlsbad, Alamogordo is an ideal jumping-off point for some of the most interesting places in New Mexico and West Texas. Which of these short road trips are you adding to your list? Have you already visited any of these spots?- Share this post with friends and family who love road trips.
- Comment below with your favorite drive from Alamogordo—or a hidden gem I should add next time.
Comments
Post a Comment