Day Trips
There is plenty to see and do in Roswell, but New Mexico wouldn’t be the Land of Enchantment without these attractions. Take a trip to Carlsbad to see the caverns or bring your ATVs over to Mescalero and hit the dunes, then come back to Roswell for some rest and relaxation before your next adventure!
Carlsbad
Carlsbad
CARLSBAD CAVERNS
From a young age, Jim White explored the cavern with his homemade wire ladder. When he grew older, most people did not even believe such caves existed. He gave many of the rooms their names, including the Big Room, New Mexico Room, Kings Palace, Queens Chamber, Papoose Room, and Green Lake Room. He also named many of the cave’s more prominent formations, such as the Totem Pole, Witch’s Finger, Giant Dome, Bottomless Pit, Fairyland, Iceberg Rock, Temple of the Sun, and Rock of Ages.
The town of Carlsbad, which lends its name to the Cavern and National Park, is in turn named after the Czech town formerly known by the German name Karlsbad (modern spelling Carlsbad) and now known by the Czech name Karlovy Vary, both of which mean “Charles’ Bath[s].”
Until 1932, visitors to the cavern had to walk down a switch back ramp-sidewalk that took them 750 feet below the surface. The walk back up was hard on a lot of visitors. In 1932 the National Park opened up a large visitor center building that contained two elevators that would take visitors to the caverns below. The new center included a cafeteria, waiting room, museum and first aid area.
LIVING DESERT ZOO AND PARK
Overlooking the Pecos River Valley, this fascinating park exhibits the varied plant and animal life of the arid Chihuahuan Desert region. Visitors can observe caged animals like snakes, lizards and birds of prey, plus larger animals such as bison and antelope, which are held in pens. Or walk along a nature trail past cacti, agaves, yuccas and other native plant life.
More Information about Living Desert Zoo and Park
Ruidoso
INN OF THE MOUNTAIN GODS RESORT
New Mexico’s premier mountain resort awaits with impeccable service, mouthwatering cuisine for every palate, incredible gaming action, and breathtaking alpine scenery to nurture your soul. Situated high in the picturesque mountains of Mescalero, New Mexico just outside of Ruidoso, guests return time and time again to Inn of the Mountain Gods to enjoy the clean mountain air, stunning panoramic views, and exciting entertainment options.
287 Carrizo Canyon Road, Mescalero, NM 88340 | 800-545-9011
RUIDOSO JOCKEY CLUB
The Ruidoso Jockey Club invites you to come and enjoy the races in our elegant surroundings! $17.50 per person per day includes admission, seating and valet parking. No children under 14 admitted. Suitable attire is required (no shorts). Memberships are for sale, however, you do not have to be a member to request a reservation to the club.
575-378-4446
THE SPENCER THEATER
A landmark 514-seat world-class theater which, on the average, hosts a major touring Broadway show, dance or musical performance every 11 days year-round during separate summer and winter seasons. Four major Dale Chihuly glass installations. Check the Spencer site for coming events and online ticket purchasing. Public tours available on Tues & Thurs at 10
Off Mechem/Rt. 48 on Airport Highway 220, Alto, New Mexico 88312 | 575-336-4800 or toll free 888-818-7872
White Sands National Monument
White Sands National Monument
Rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin is one of the world’s great natural wonders – the glistening white sands of New Mexico. Great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand have engulfed 275 square miles of desert, creating the world’s largest gypsum dunefield. White Sands National Monument preserves a major portion of this unique dunefield, along with the plants and animals that live here.