Spring River Zoo

Spring River Zoo drives curiosity, fosters a love of animals and environmental conservation. The zoo covers about 34 acres of parkland with five main animal areas located on the grounds. Visitors can also ride one of the few antique wooden carousels still in operation in the United States. Enjoy a picnic under the trees and play on the playground adjacent to the zoo.

Bottomless Lakes State Park

Soak up the sun and New Mexico scenery with hiking, kayaking, camping, fishing, swimming, paddleboarding, scuba diving and more! Located on 1,400 acres, the Bottomless Lakes are formed by sinkholes which create the surrounding dramatic red cliffs. RV spots and several picnic areas are available. Located twelve miles east of Roswell on U.S. Highway 380, then seven miles south on State Highway 409.

Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Located where the Chihuahuan Desert, High Plains and Pecos River valley come together, Bitter Lake NWR is a reknown migratory birding center inhabited by a diverse abundance of wildlife. Spring and fall are the best times to view migratory birds in large numbers, particularly at dawn and dusk. You’ll see plenty of nature along the scenic drive loop or you can step out of your vehicle and check out the hiking trails, cycling path, or bird blinds.

Mescalero Sand Dunes

More than 610 acres of towering 90+ foot sand dunes await your enjoyment in the Mescalero Sands North Dune Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area. The dune field stretches over most of the area and lends itself well to all terrain cycles, sand rails and dune buggies. While the road into Mescalero Sands is capable of supporting cars, trucks and buses, the soft sand off established roads and parking lots is not. 

Golf Galore

Bring your clubs and hit the green! Roswell has three golf courses to choose from: Nancy Lopez Golf Course at Spring River, New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) Golf Course, and Roswell Country Club. Call in advance to check hours and rates.

Disc golfers can play the courses at Enchanted Lands Park and Eastern New Mexico University Roswell (ENMU-R).

Cool Off

Get wet at the Roswell Recreation & Aquatic Center outdoor pool or the Murphy Family Splash Pad.

Get In Gear

Cyclists can head to Moon Rock Outfitters for repairs, bikes and parts, while rockhounds can take away a souvenir from Ancients of Days Rock Shop. Big 5 Sporting Goods and Hibbett Sports will have all your outdoor basics available.

But don’t head out on an empty stomach. Roswell Donuts and Burritos & More serve up hearty, freshly prepared breakfast items. Post-adventure, fill up your tank and sit outside at Luna’s Snacks, Classics Frozen Custard or Chef Todzilla’s Gourmet Burgers.