10 Easy Road Trips From Carlsbad, New Mexico (All Outside Eddy County)
Planning a trip to
Carlsbad, New Mexico and wondering what else there is to see nearby? Once you’ve explored the caves and hit the main in-town highlights, you might be ready for a little
out-of-county adventure.
The good news: Carlsbad sits in a sweet spot. In just 30 minutes to about 3 hours, you can hit quiet desert towns, mountain getaways, space history sites, and classic roadside stops across:
- Chaves County, NM
- Lea County, NM
- Otero County, NM
- Culberson County, TX
- Loving County, TX
- Reeves County, TX
Here are
10 short road trips from Carlsbad that take you
outside Eddy County but keep you close enough for a relaxed day trip (or an easy overnight).
1. Roswell, NM – UFOs, Museums, and Small-Town Charm (Chaves County)
Roswell is about 75 miles north of Carlsbad, usually a 1.5–2 hour drive through open desert. It’s famous for one thing:
UFOs. But there’s more to it than flying saucers.
- International UFO Museum & Research Center – Cheesy, fun, and strangely fascinating. Great photos and displays about the 1947 “crash.”
- Roswell UFO Spacewalk – A blacklight walk-through experience that feels like stepping into a retro sci‑fi movie.
- Downtown Roswell – Alien statues, murals, and gift shops with every kind of space-themed souvenir you can imagine.
- Roswell Museum – If you want something more traditional, this museum has art, history, and a planetarium.
If you’re traveling with kids (or you’re a kid at heart), Roswell is one of the most fun road trips from Carlsbad. It’s easy to spend a half-day or full day just wandering around downtown and soaking in the weirdness.
2. Bottomless Lakes State Park – A Desert Oasis Near Roswell (Chaves County)
About 14 miles east of Roswell,
Bottomless Lakes State Park makes a great add-on to your Roswell trip—or a standalone nature escape.
These “bottomless” lakes aren’t really bottomless, of course, but they are deep sinkhole lakes with striking blue-green water surrounded by red rock.
Things to do:
- Swim at Lea Lake’s sandy beach in warmer months.
- Kayak or paddleboard on the calmer water.
- Hike or bike the easy trails around the lakes.
- Pack a picnic and enjoy the views.
It’s an unexpected change of scenery after days of desert and highways. If you’re craving water and a bit of greenery near Carlsbad, this is your spot.
3. Hobbs, NM – Racetracks, Casinos, and Local Flavor (Lea County)
Head about 110 miles east to
Hobbs, a straight shot mostly along US‑62/US‑180. This oil and energy town isn’t flashy, but it’s a solid choice if you like a mix of entertainment and local culture.
Highlights in Hobbs:
- Zia Park Casino, Hotel & Racetrack – Slot machines, live horse racing in season, and dining options. Great for an adults’ night out.
- Western Heritage Museum & Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame – Learn about ranching, rodeo, and the history of southeast New Mexico.
- Local eateries – Grab some Tex‑Mex or barbecue and taste the regional flavors.
This is a good road trip if you’re staying in Carlsbad for several days and want a different vibe: more lights, more action, and a little bit of that borderland mix of Texas and New Mexico culture.
4. Lovington, NM – Quiet Downtown and County Heritage (Lea County)
If you prefer something more laid-back than Hobbs, drive about 95 miles northeast to
Lovington, the county seat of Lea County.
Here, the pace is slower, but it’s a nice stop if you enjoy local history and small-town streets.
Consider:
- Lea County Museum – A set of restored buildings that tell the story of early ranchers, homesteaders, and local life.
- Courthouse Square – Walk the area around the courthouse, snap some photos, and grab a coffee or bite from a local café.
- Small-town events – Depending on the time of year, you might catch a rodeo, fair, or local festival.
If you like to see “real life” in the places you visit, rather than just tourist-heavy spots, Lovington is worth a half-day spin from Carlsbad.
5. Artesia, NM – Murals, Downtown Sculptures, and Oil Heritage (Chaves County)
While still in Chaves County,
Artesia sits about 36 miles north of Carlsbad, making it one of the
easiest road trips on this list—about a 40–45 minute drive.
Artesia isn’t flashy, but it’s surprisingly interesting if you slow down and look around.
What to see:
- Downtown bronze sculptures – Life-size statues tell stories of cattle drives, oil workers, and local history. Perfect for a walking tour.
- Murals – Colorful street art brightens up the town and makes for great photos.
- Historical markers – You’ll find plaques and displays about the area’s role in ranching and the oil industry.
If you just want a short drive, a nice lunch, and a stroll somewhere different than Carlsbad, Artesia is a convenient choice.
6. Alamogordo, NM & White Sands Area – Desert Dunes and Space History (Otero County)
For a bigger day trip, head northwest about 140–160 miles to
Alamogordo in Otero County. Depending on your route, it’s roughly a 2.5 to 3-hour drive, but the payoff is huge—especially if you include the surrounding attractions.
Top stops in and around Alamogordo:
- New Mexico Museum of Space History – Exhibits on rockets, space travel, and New Mexico’s key role in early space research.
- White Sands area (just outside the county line in adjacent counties) – While the most famous dunes stretch beyond Otero’s borders, the region around Alamogordo is your jumping-off point for brilliant white gypsum landscapes and surreal desert views.
- Local pistachio farms – Roadside stands and farm stores sell flavored pistachios, wines, and local goodies. Some offer tours.
If you’re the kind of traveler who doesn’t mind a longer drive for a “wow” moment—like sledding down white dunes or learning about rocket history—this trip is worth planning a full day around.
7. Van Horn, TX – Desert Crossroads and Mountain Views (Culberson County)
Cross the state line into Texas and aim for
Van Horn in Culberson County, about 160–180 miles southeast of Carlsbad depending on your route. It’s a classic desert crossroads town with a rugged, lonely feel.
What you can do:
- Walk historic Van Horn – Check out old motels, neon signs, and roadside relics that hint at the town’s heyday as a highway stop.
- Look toward the mountains – Van Horn sits near the Sierra Diablo range and other rugged peaks, creating dramatic views, especially at sunset.
- Roadside dining – Grab some Tex‑Mex or comfort food at a local café after a long desert drive.
If you like atmospheric little towns with a bit of grit and big skies, Van Horn makes a memorable detour from Carlsbad.
8. Mentone, TX – The Quietest County Seat in America (Loving County)
Want to visit one of the most unusual places near Carlsbad? Drive about 90–110 miles southeast to
Mentone, the only town in
Loving County, Texas—often called the least populated county in the United States.
What to expect:
- Tiny town feel – No big attractions, no crowds, and not much in the way of shops or restaurants.
- County courthouse – A simple, small courthouse that serves a county with just a handful of residents.
- Empty roads – Long stretches of highway where you might not see another car for a while.
This trip is all about the experience of being in a place that feels like the edge of the map. If you love exploring the “in-between” spaces of the American Southwest, Mentone will stick in your memory.
9. Pecos, TX – Historic Trails, Rodeo Roots, and Riverside Walks (Reeves County)
About 95–110 miles southeast of Carlsbad, across the Texas line in
Reeves County, sits
Pecos—a town with deep Western roots.
Things to do in Pecos:
- West of the Pecos Museum – Housed in a historic hotel and saloon, this museum covers cowboys, outlaws, and the town’s colorful past.
- Rodeo heritage – Pecos claims one of the first rodeos in the world. Check dates for modern events if you’re visiting in summer.
- Pecos River area – Enjoy views along the river and watch the changing colors of the sky at dusk.
If you’re interested in Old West stories and small-town Texas life, Pecos is a fantastic day trip from Carlsbad.
10. Balmorhea State Park Gateway – Desert Springs and Scenic Driving (Reeves County)
While the main swimming area at Balmorhea State Park sits a bit farther west, heading toward that region from Carlsbad via Reeves County makes for one of the most relaxing drives in West Texas.
On the way through Reeves County:
- Desert springs and canals – The landscape shifts from harsh desert to surprising pockets of green fed by natural springs.
- Scenic highways – Long, open stretches are perfect if you enjoy road-tripping just for the views.
- Local diners and roadside stops – Grab a burger or plate of Tex‑Mex and chat with locals. In small towns, a conversation at a café can be the highlight of your day.
This is the kind of trip you take when you want to roll the windows down, turn up the music, and let the miles slip by under a big West Texas sky.
Tips for Planning Road Trips From Carlsbad
Before you head out on these day trips from Carlsbad, keep a few things in mind:
- Gas up early – Some stretches between Carlsbad, Texas towns, and smaller New Mexico communities can be long and empty.
- Bring water and snacks – The desert is dry, and services can be spread out.
- Check hours – Smaller museums and attractions may have limited or seasonal hours.
- Watch the weather – Summer heat can be intense, and storms can appear quickly.
If you plan well, these drives can turn a simple Carlsbad vacation into a full
Southwest road trip experience.
Where Will You Go Next From Carlsbad?
Carlsbad, New Mexico isn’t just a gateway to famous caves—it’s a perfect starting point for exploring
Chaves, Lea, Otero, Culberson, Loving, and Reeves Counties.
Whether you’re chasing UFO stories in Roswell, strolling through tiny Mentone, or discovering Western history in Pecos, each of these short trips shows you a different side of life in the desert Southwest.
Have you driven any of these routes from Carlsbad? Do you have a favorite small town, roadside café, or hidden viewpoint along the way?
- Share your experiences in the comments.
- Drop your questions if you’re planning a trip and want ideas.
- Pass this guide along to friends or family heading to Carlsbad so they can plan their own road trip adventures.
Your stories and tips can help other travelers make the most of their time in and around Carlsbad—so don’t be shy, start the conversation below!
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