Day Trips

Artesia is located in the heart of the Pecos Valley, right at the crossroads of U.S. Highway 285 and U.S. Highway 82, making Artesia the ideal location to stay while you explore Southeastern New Mexico.  There are a variety of day-trip destinations to choose from while you are here.

Explore northbound on U.S. 285 and you’ll find the International UFO Museum & Research Center, Roswell Museum & Art Center and Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art.  If you prefer outdoor adventure, try one of two nearby working cattle ranches, Burnt Well Guest Ranch, or historic Felix River Ranch.  Lake Van is an inviting place to have a picnic and spend the afternoon fishing.  Head southbound on Hwy 285 to explore Sitting Bull Falls National Park, Carlsbad Caverns or spend the afternoon canoeing and fishing at Black River.

Take U.S. 82 eastward to visit The Western Heritage Museum Complex & Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame and Zia Park Casino, or experience the excitement of live horseracing in Hobbs.  U.S. 82 westbound leads you to Runyan Ranch, where you can enjoy camping and fishing on the Penasco River, or their Petting Zoo – featuring domestic and exotic animals alike.  Keep traveling west through the mountains of Lincoln National Park and unique shopping in Cloudcroft, to the shifting sands of White Sands National Monument in Alamogordo.  

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