10 Easy Road Trips from Lovington, New Mexico (That Are Totally Worth the Drive)
If you live in or near
Lovington, New Mexico, you’ve probably asked yourself:
“Okay… what is there to do around here this weekend?”
The good news? You’ve got a bunch of fun day trips and short getaways within a 1–3 hour drive. You just have to know where to look.
Below are
10 short out-of-county road trips from Lovington that take you into nearby parts of New Mexico and West Texas — including Chaves, Eddy, Roosevelt, Andrews, Cochran, Gaines, Loving, Winkler, and Yoakum Counties.
All of them are outside Lea County, so you’re truly “getting away,” even if it’s just for the day.
1. Carlsbad Caverns National Park (Eddy County, NM)
If you only pick
one big adventure near Lovington, make it
Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
It’s about a 2–2.5 hour drive south, and it feels like stepping into another world.
- Walk down into the Big Room, a massive underground chamber with paved trails.
- In summer, stay for the evening bat flight at the amphitheater and watch thousands of bats swirl out of the cave.
- Visit the visitor center for exhibits and ranger programs.
The main cave trail is well-lit and fairly easy compared to a lot of hikes, though it can still feel like a workout. Wear comfy shoes and bring a light jacket — it stays around 56°F year-round down there.
This is one of the best-known attractions near Lovington and a must-do if you enjoy nature, photography, or just cool, unusual places.
2. Sitting Bull Falls – A Desert Oasis (Eddy County, NM)
About an hour and a half southwest of Lovington, near Carlsbad, you’ll find
Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area tucked into the Lincoln National Forest foothills.
Imagine driving through dry desert, then suddenly finding a tall waterfall pouring into clear pools. That’s Sitting Bull Falls.
- Short, paved walk from the parking lot to the falls viewing area.
- Picnic tables and shaded shelters — perfect for a laid-back lunch.
- Cool off in the water where allowed (check current rules and water levels).
It’s a great family-friendly stop, especially if you want to pair it with a trip to Carlsbad or Carlsbad Caverns. Pack snacks, plenty of water, and maybe some folding chairs to really relax by the sound of the falls.
3. Roswell: Aliens, Museums, and Small-Town Charm (Chaves County, NM)
Roswell, New Mexico, is about 1.5–2 hours northwest of Lovington and makes an easy day trip. Yes, it leans into the whole UFO thing — and that’s half the fun.
Top things to do in Roswell:
- Visit the International UFO Museum & Research Center for exhibits on the famous 1947 “Roswell Incident.”
- Walk along Main Street and check out the quirky alien-themed shops and murals.
- Explore the Roswell Museum, which covers art, history, and local culture.
- Relax at one of the local parks or grab a bite at a small diner.
Whether you stay for a few hours or a full day, Roswell is one of the most unique places to visit near Lovington. It’s also a fun spot to take out-of-town guests.
4. Bottomless Lakes State Park (Chaves County, NM)
Just southeast of Roswell sits
Bottomless Lakes State Park, New Mexico’s first state park.
Despite the name, the lakes aren’t actually bottomless — but they are deep, spring-fed, and a beautiful blue-green.
Here’s what you can do there:
- Swim and paddle in designated areas (check seasonal rules).
- Kayak or paddleboard on calm water surrounded by red rock cliffs.
- Walk easy trails with nice views of the lakes and surrounding desert.
- Enjoy a picnic with lake views.
This makes a perfect warm-weather day trip from Lovington. You can pair it with Roswell for a full weekend: aliens one day, lakes and sunshine the next.
5. Portales: College Town Vibes and Local History (Roosevelt County, NM)
Heading north from Lovington, about 1.5–2 hours, you’ll come to
Portales, home to Eastern New Mexico University.
It’s a smaller town, but it has a relaxed, friendly feel that makes for a nice change of pace.
Things to do in Portales:
- Visit the Blackwater Draw Museum (tied to one of the most important early human sites in North America).
- Stroll around the ENMU campus and check out public art and green spaces.
- Explore local shops and grab coffee or lunch in town.
If you like history, especially early Native American and archaeological history, the Portales area is surprisingly rich.
6. Andrews, Texas: Small-Town Parks and a Quick Getaway (Andrews County, TX)
Drive just over the state line into West Texas, and in about an hour and a half you can be in
Andrews, Texas.
This isn’t a “big tourist” destination, but that’s exactly why it works for a simple, no-stress day trip from Lovington.
In Andrews, you can:
- Relax at local parks with walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
- Check out community events if you time it right (festivals, sports, and local gatherings).
- Grab classic Texas diner food or barbecue.
Sometimes you just want a quiet change of scenery, and Andrews offers exactly that without a long drive or big crowds.
7. Denver City: Oil Country with a Touch of History (Yoakum County, TX)
To the east of Lovington, across the state line, you’ll find
Denver City, Texas, in Yoakum County. It’s an easy trip — roughly an hour or so, depending on your route.
What can you expect there?
- A community with deep roots in oil and gas history.
- Small local parks and walking areas where you can stretch your legs.
- Local eateries where you can grab a burger, Mexican food, or classic Texas plates.
This is the kind of place where you can just drive around, see a different side of the region, and enjoy the small-town Texas feel without dealing with big-city traffic.
8. Seminole: A Hub in Gaines County, Texas
Seminole, Texas, in Gaines County, is another easy road trip from Lovington. It sits southeast of town and usually takes around 1.5 hours to reach.
Seminole is a regional hub, so it has more services and shops than some nearby towns.
On a visit to Seminole, you can:
- Do some shopping and knock out errands while you’re out of town.
- Enjoy local restaurants and coffee spots.
- Attend occasional community events, especially on weekends or holidays.
If you like turning a simple shopping run into a mini road trip, Seminole is a logical pick from Lovington.
9. Kermit: West Texas Character in Winkler County
Head into
Winkler County, Texas, and you’ll find the town of
Kermit — a small West Texas spot with a lot of local pride.
It’s another easy drive from Lovington and gives you a look at life just over the state line.
In Kermit, you can:
- Check out local parks and downtown streets for a laid-back walk.
- Grab a meal at a local café or diner.
- Use it as a base to explore more of Winkler and surrounding counties by car.
If you enjoy low-key drives, seeing new towns, and talking with locals, Kermit makes a simple but enjoyable day trip.
10. Red Bluff Reservoir Area (Loving County, TX)
If you like wide-open skies and water views, aim for
Red Bluff Reservoir on the Texas–New Mexico border, mainly in
Loving County, Texas. It’s a bit more of a drive, but still within reach for a longer day or overnight trip from Lovington.
Out here, it’s all about the landscape:
- Big desert-and-lake views that are great for sunsets and photography.
- Quiet roads where you can just drive, listen to music, and unwind.
- Opportunities to spot birds and desert wildlife.
This isn’t a polished resort area — it’s more of a rough, real West Texas experience. That’s part of its charm. Just be sure to check current road and access conditions before you go, and always bring extra water and fuel in these more remote areas.
Tips for Planning Your Lovington Road Trips
To make the most of these
day trips from Lovington:
- Check drive times: Most of these are within 1–3 hours each way. Plan gas and food stops along the route.
- Watch the weather: Desert weather can change fast — heat, wind, and dust storms are common.
- Bring the basics: Water, snacks, sunscreen, hats, and a light jacket, especially for caves or higher elevations.
- Confirm hours: State parks, museums, and attractions may have seasonal hours or special closures.
If you’re wondering how to describe these places when searching online, try phrases like
“things to do near Lovington NM,” “day trips from Lovington,” or
“road trips in southeast New Mexico and West Texas.”
Where Will You Go First?
Living in or near Lovington doesn’t mean you’re stuck with nothing to do. Within a half-tank of gas, you’ve got:
- Caves and waterfalls in Eddy County
- Aliens and lakes in Chaves County
- College-town culture in Roosevelt County
- Small-town Texas charm in Andrews, Cochran, Gaines, Loving, Winkler, and Yoakum Counties
Which of these road trips are you adding to your weekend plans?
Have you already visited any of these places? I’d love to hear what you thought, what you’d do differently next time, and any hidden gems you found along the way.
Share this post with friends or family who live in Lovington or southeast New Mexico, and drop a comment with your favorite nearby getaway. Your ideas might inspire someone else’s next adventure!
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