Contrary to world wide rumors - there is a lot more to Roswell than aliens. Roswell, the 5th largest city in the state, is the hub of southeastern New Mexico. We have three golf courses, Cahoon Park which has picnic areas, swimming pool, basketball courts. The 5-mile walking/biking path that cuts east-west through the center of town following the Spring River from its west end past the Spring River Golf Course, through Cahoon park, between the Roswell Convention and Civic Center and the Roswell Museum and Art Center (other museums) ending at Spring River Park & Zoo - the only FREE zoo in the state. The Zoo consists of a small zoo, picnic area, train rides and a carousal. Approximately 12 miles east of Roswell is Bottomless Lakes State Park, where there is camping, fishing, and swimming.   There are also plenty of spots for birdwatching and enjoying nature.  Grab some cardboard and head 40 miles east to slide down the dunes at Mescalero Sands.    Click here to learn about the Bitter Lake NWR Endangered Species Tour

The highway from Albuquerque to Roswell and onto  Carlsbad  is four-lane all the way.   Thirty miles south of Roswell is Artesia, home to the Navajo Oil Refinery, the largest refinery in New Mexico.  Another 80 miles south is the world famous Carlsbad Caverns, one of the largest cave systems open to the public.   In less than two hours from Roswell, you can be 700 feet down into the cool cave enjoying its amazing formations, and enormous rooms.

Hot in Roswell?   Then drive up to 6000 feet and higher above sea level and visit the mountains.   Drive approximately 80 miles to the west and you will be in Old Lincoln Town - famous for the Lincoln County War which featured Billy the Kid and his friend Pat Garrett, visit their musuem and historical sites.   Another way to get into the mountains is by taking Pine Lodge Road west.  It is a two-lane, winding [watch for a couple of sharp turns], scenic road that takes about 1.5 hours to get to Capitan.  Turn left at Capitan to get to Old Lincoln Town, or catch the road that goes through the mountains, pass Bonito Lake to Ruidoso.)

When taking Highway 380 up to Capitan, watch for the way side vista overlooking Capitan Gap where (the real) Smokey the Bear was rescued.   In Capitan visit the Smokey th Bear Museum and Smokey's grave site.  Then head for Ruidoso,  Hubbard Museum, horse racing, Dowlin's Mill, shopping, much more!