10 TOP Things to Do in Eastern New Mexico (2026 Activity Guide)

Historic Apache Mission in Mescalero, NM. A must stop to visit when driving through Mescalero.

Pools atop the cliff from which Sitting Bill Falls cascade. This beautiful spot is a short but intense hike to reach; well worth the effort!

One of several natural sink holes filled with spring water throughout Bottomless Lakes. The water is highly reflective at sunrise, creating something of a mirage in photos that makes the edges appear arch-like.

Learn the history of the first train up the mountain to Cloudcroft and get some beautiful shots of the railroad bridge.

Fort Union National Monument

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What to do in Eastern New Mexico

Popular places to visit

Signpost with text Ufo zone on the background of the evening foggy forest.

Alien Zone

Take the family on an outing to Alien Zone during your trip to Roswell. While you're here, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Grindstone Lake

Explore the great outdoors at Grindstone Lake and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Ruidoso. While in this family-friendly area, find time to visit its casinos.

International UFO Museum

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at International UFO Museum during your trip to Roswell. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

View from the top of Capulin Volcano, New Mexico #thatview

Capulin Volcano National Monument

Explore the great outdoors at Capulin Volcano National Monument, a lovely green space in Des Moines.

Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area

Explore the great outdoors at Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area, a lovely green space in Carlsbad. Discover the desert landscape and mountain views in this walkable area.

Ute Lake State Park

You can take time to visit Ute Lake State Park during your travels to Logan.

Bottomless Lakes State Park

You can take time to visit Bottomless Lakes State Park during your travels to Roswell. Discover the coffeehouses and museums in this family-friendly area.

This is an iconic shot taken at the Motor Museum in Santa Rosa just off I40 on the old Route 66

Route 66 Auto Museum

You can study the exhibits at Route 66 Auto Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Santa Rosa. While in this quaint area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park

Why not meet the animals who call Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park home during your travels in Carlsbad? Discover the area's desert landscape and mountain views.

Areas of Eastern New Mexico

If you need a nice cabin while in Ruidoso, this place has the goods.

Downtown

When in Downtown, you can plan a visit to Grindstone Lake and Cree Medows Public Golf Course, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Ponderosa Heights

Ponderosa Heights might not have many top sights, but The Links at Sierra Blanca and Grindstone Lake are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Hollywood

While Hollywood isn't home to many top sights, Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Pillow's Funtrackers are some notable places to visit nearby.

Bear Park

While Bear Park might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Sacramento Mountains Museum and Cloudcroft Ice Rink.

Historic San Miguel del Vado Church in New Mexico

East Las Vegas

If you're spending some time in East Las Vegas, Gene Torres Golf Course and City of Las Vegas Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Alpine Cellars Village

While Alpine Cellars Village might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Ruidoso Winter Park and The Links at Sierra Blanca.