Artesia, New Mexico: 10 Unforgettable Short Road Trips Nearby

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10 Easy Road Trips from Artesia, New Mexico: Iconic Things To Do Nearby (But Out of County!)

If you’re in Artesia, New Mexico and itching to hit the road, you’re in luck. Within just a few hours’ drive, you’ll find alien lore, white sand dunes, hidden canyons, and big Texas sky views. This guide focuses on short out‑of‑county road trips from Artesia in Eddy County, spotlighting the best things to do in the surrounding counties: Chaves (NM), Lea (NM), Otero (NM), Culberson (TX), Loving (TX), and Reeves (TX). So fill up the tank, grab some snacks, and let’s explore what’s just beyond your backyard.

1. Roswell UFO Experience – Chaves County, NM

Roswell is about an hour north of Artesia, and honestly, it’s one of the easiest and most fun weekend road trips you can take.
  • Drive time from Artesia: About 1 hour (roughly 40–45 miles)
  • County: Chaves County, New Mexico
You’ve probably heard the stories: flying saucers, little green men, government cover‑ups. In Roswell, they lean into it—and that’s what makes it great. Don’t miss:
  • International UFO Museum & Research Center – quirky exhibits, photos, and lots of “what if?” moments.
  • Alien-themed shops and murals downtown – fun for goofy photos and souvenirs.
  • Roswell UFO Spacewalk – a blacklight indoor walk-through that kids and adults both get a kick out of.
As you stroll around, you’ll see alien eyes staring at you from gas stations, restaurants, even lamp posts. It’s cheesy in the best possible way, and it makes for a road trip you’ll talk about later. Tip: Plan this as a half‑day or full‑day trip. You can easily drive up in the morning, explore, grab lunch, and be back in Artesia by dinner.

2. Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge – Chaves County, NM

Just northeast of Roswell, Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge is perfect if you love nature, birds, or simply a quiet place to breathe.
  • Drive time from Artesia: Around 1.5 hours total
  • County: Chaves County, New Mexico
Here you’ll find wetlands, desert landscapes, and a surprising number of birds—especially during migration season. Things to do:
  • Take the auto tour route for easy wildlife viewing from your car.
  • Walk simple trails to see dragonflies, butterflies, and waterfowl.
  • Visit the visitor center (check hours) to learn about local plants and animals.
If you’ve been staring at screens all week, this is a peaceful reset. Pack some water, a hat, binoculars if you have them, and enjoy the open sky.

3. Lovington’s Small-Town Charm – Lea County, NM

East of Artesia, Lovington offers that classic New Mexico small-town feel, with a slower pace and friendly faces.
  • Drive time from Artesia: About 1.5 hours
  • County: Lea County, New Mexico
Lovington isn’t about big attractions; it’s about soaking in everyday life in southeastern New Mexico. Ideas for your visit:
  • Stroll through downtown Lovington and check out local shops.
  • Catch a local event or game if one’s happening while you’re there.
  • Grab a bite at a local diner or Mexican restaurant and chat with the staff.
Sometimes the best road trips are the simple ones—driving with the windows down, radio on, and no strict schedule.

4. Hobbs & Zia Park Fun – Lea County, NM

Drive a little farther east and you’ll hit Hobbs, the largest city in Lea County and a handy spot if you want more nightlife, dining, or entertainment.
  • Drive time from Artesia: Around 2 hours
  • County: Lea County, New Mexico
What to do in Hobbs:
  • Head to Zia Park Casino, Hotel & Racetrack for gaming and seasonal horse races.
  • Visit the Western Heritage Museum & Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame to learn about ranching and cowboy culture.
  • Hit a local restaurant or bar for a relaxed evening before driving back or staying overnight.
It’s a great trip if you’re craving more “city” options without heading all the way to Albuquerque or El Paso.

5. White Sands National Park – Otero County, NM

If there’s one road trip that feels almost otherworldly, it’s White Sands National Park near Alamogordo.
  • Drive time from Artesia: About 3–3.5 hours
  • County: Otero County, New Mexico
This place is exactly what it sounds like: rolling dunes of white gypsum sand that look like snow drifts under the desert sun. Must-do activities:
  • Sled down the dunes – you can often buy or rent sleds nearby.
  • Walk a short trail or boardwalk to explore safely.
  • Stay for sunset if you can—the colors are amazing.
Bring sunglasses (the glare can be bright), sunscreen, and plenty of water. Even on cooler days, walking in sand can be tiring.

6. Alamogordo & New Mexico Museum of Space History – Otero County, NM

Combine White Sands with a stop in Alamogordo and you’ve got a full and fascinating day.
  • Drive time from Artesia: Around 3 hours
  • County: Otero County, New Mexico
Highlights in Alamogordo:
  • New Mexico Museum of Space History – rockets, space suits, and exhibits on early space exploration.
  • IMAX or planetarium shows (check current schedule).
  • Local wineries or breweries where you can wind down after exploring.
If you’re traveling with kids—or just love space—it’s a fun, educational stop that pairs perfectly with a visit to White Sands.

7. Guadalupe Mountains National Park – Culberson County, TX

Ready for a Texas adventure? Head southeast into Culberson County to explore the rugged beauty of Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
  • Drive time from Artesia: Around 2.5–3 hours
  • County: Culberson County, Texas
This park is home to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, plus dramatic canyons, desert views, and miles of trails. Things to do:
  • Hike part (or all) of the Guadalupe Peak Trail if you’re prepared—it’s a strenuous all‑day hike, about 8.5 miles round trip.
  • Choose shorter trails, like McKittrick Canyon, if you want something more relaxed.
  • Bring a picnic and soak in the scenery from a pullout or picnic area.
This is a great trip if you’re craving mountains after all that flat desert. Just remember: carry water, wear sturdy shoes, and check the weather.

8. Wild Desert Drives Through Loving County, TX

Loving County is famous for being one of the least populated counties in the entire United States. That means open roads, huge skies, and a true “middle-of-nowhere” feeling.
  • Drive time from Artesia: Roughly 2–2.5 hours depending on your route
  • County: Loving County, Texas
There aren’t big attractions or theme parks here—and that’s kind of the point. What makes it special:
  • Endless desert views and wide‑open roads.
  • A chance to appreciate just how remote and quiet parts of West Texas really are.
  • Perfect for road trip photography or simply clearing your head.
Think of this as a “scenic drive” day. Top off your gas before you go, bring snacks and drinks, and enjoy the sense of space that’s hard to find back east.

9. Reeves County Road Trip & Pecos, TX

Farther south, in Reeves County, Texas, you’ll find the town of Pecos—a place with deep roots in cowboy and rodeo history.
  • Drive time from Artesia: Around 3 hours
  • County: Reeves County, Texas
What to check out:
  • West of the Pecos Museum – located in a historic hotel, it shares stories of outlaws, ranchers, and early settlers.
  • Local rodeo heritage – Pecos is often called the home of the world’s first rodeo.
  • Classic Texas diners for chicken‑fried steak, barbecue, or homemade pie.
If you like Old West tales and small-town Texas, Pecos makes a fun day trip or stop on a longer loop through West Texas.

10. Scenic Oilfield & Desert Loops Between Lea, Loving & Reeves Counties

For something a little different, consider a loop drive through parts of Lea County (NM), Loving County (TX), and Reeves County (TX). It’s a great way to see how the oil and gas industry shapes life in this corner of the Southwest.
  • Drive time from Artesia: Flexible – 3 to 6 hours depending on your route
  • Counties: Lea (NM), Loving (TX), Reeves (TX)
What you’ll see:
  • Pumpjacks and oilfield equipment scattered across the desert.
  • Work camps and small service towns that support energy workers.
  • Wide views of sunrises and sunsets over the plains and desert.
If you’ve ever wondered how this region actually looks beyond town limits, this kind of loop drive is eye‑opening. Just map your route in advance, keep an eye on your fuel level, and be respectful of private property and work sites.

Planning Your Road Trips from Artesia

To make these road trips from Artesia easier, keep a few basics in mind:
  • Check drive times before you go so you’re not rushing back after dark.
  • Fuel up in Artesia or other larger towns when you can—stations get spaced out in rural areas.
  • Pack water and snacks, especially in summer. The sun can be intense, and services are spread out.
  • Dress in layers. Deserts can be hot in the day and cool at night.
  • Download offline maps in case you lose cell signal in remote stretches.
Once you’ve done a few of these trips, you can start combining them—maybe Roswell and Bitter Lake in one weekend, or White Sands plus Alamogordo on another. Before you know it, you’ll know southeastern New Mexico and West Texas like a local.

What Road Trip from Artesia Will You Take First?

Living in or visiting Artesia, NM doesn’t mean you’re stuck in one small town. With Chaves, Lea, Otero, Culberson, Loving, and Reeves Counties all within reach, you’ve got a whole network of day trips and weekend getaways just a short drive away. Which one sounds best to you—alien adventures in Roswell, dune sledding at White Sands, or Texas mountain views in the Guadalupe Mountains? I’d love to hear your plans.
  • Have you taken any of these road trips from Artesia?
  • Do you have a favorite stop I didn’t mention?
Share your experiences and tips in the comments so other travelers can discover new ideas too. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family who might be planning a trip through southeastern New Mexico or West Texas. Your share might be the push they need to get out on the open road.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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