Ute Lake State Park (82 miles)

A Canadian River reservoir, Ute Lake offers some of the best walleye fishing in New Mexico. Anglers also try their luck for bass, crappie, and catfish. With scores of inlets to explore, the lake abounds in ducks, quail, doves and pheasant. Deer and antelope roam the surrounding plains and mesas. Round-the-clock fishing is available every day for angler fanatics. The lake has produced several state-record game fish.

Ute Lake is one of the longest lakes in the state at nearly 13 miles, but also quite narrow, with its width never exceeding one mile across. It boasts a marina and a full range of water sport activities. Ute Lake State Park is three miles west of Logan on NM 540.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas (95 miles)

One of the nation's most magnificent scenic attractions. Enjoy extraordinary vistas of color and beauty from the comfort of your automobile. Travel the same trails used by Native Americans, early Spanish explorers, buffalo hunters and pioneers. The park has over 25,000 acres of room and offers camping, cabins, riding stables, picnicking, and miles of hiking, mountain bike and horse trails.

The outdoor epic TEXAS Legacies runs every summer in the park's Pioneer Amphitheater. Performances are held nightly except Sundays, June 3 through August 21st, and July 4th.

Conchas Lake State Park (118 miles)

Conchas Lake State Park offers a wide variety of water sport activities including boating, fishing and water-skiing at this refreshing, 25-mile long reservoir. Anglers can catch walleye, largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, and crappie. With its ample camping and picnicking facilities, boat ramps, marina, bait and tackle supplies, food services, and playgrounds, Conchas offers visitors a lot.

One of the state's largest lakes, Conchas includes 60 miles of varied shoreline, secluded coves, canyons, and sandy beaches. Ancient rock formations date back to the Age of Dinosaurs. Observant visitors may discover the fossils of ancient sea creatures. Conchas Lake State Park is 34 miles northwest of Tucumcari on NM 104.

Ruidoso - New Mexico's Year Round Playground (184 miles)

Ruidoso, New Mexico is nestled in the Rocky Mountains of southern New Mexico. Towering above the village of Ruidoso is Sierra Blanca and the New Mexico ski resort, Ski Apache. Ruidoso weather is mild and great for outdoor activities including camping, hiking and bicycling in the Lincoln National Forest.

The Ruidoso Area claims two of New Mexico's finest casinos, New Mexico horse racing at the Ruidoso Downs race track, top rated golf courses, horseback riding, golf, tennis, art galleries, museums and shopping. Lodging includes cabins, resorts, hotels, motels, Bed and breakfast, RV parks, campgrounds, condos and homes. Ruidoso dining and restaurants offer a full range of options to fit any budget or taste.

Welcome to the Motorcycle Rallies of the Southern Rockies!  This is a cycle jam worth attending! Ride the high roads where the sky meets the horizon...beat the heat and find yourself riding the shaded pines of the Sacramentos.

Two separate rallies are held each year; the annual Aspencash Rally, held in mid-May, and the annual Golden Aspen Rally, starting the 3rd weekend of September.

Carlsbad Caverns (200 miles)

Many exciting activities await the Carlsbad Caverns National Park visitor. The park is the site of 88 known caves and 46,755 acres of rugged mountain terrain along the north slope of the Guadalupe Mountains. To visit the world famous Carlsbad Caverns you may take the elevator down for a one-mile, self guided, underground stroll around the perimeter of the Big Room, which is the size of 14 football fields. Or, you may choose the one-mile Natural Entrance self-guided route, where you walk down 750 feed, descending into the Big Room. For an off-the-beaten-path adventure, ranger guided tours are available for some interesting adventures.

Ski Apache (207 miles)

Sierra Blanca, the area’s 12,000 foot peak, is home to Ski Apache and located just minutes from the beautiful mountain village of Ruidoso, New Mexico and the beautiful, recently reconstructed Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino. Ski Apache offers the best ski and snowboarding experience in the Southwest. Fifty-five trails for skiers and boarders of all levels and a fall line of over 1800 feet, beginning at 11,400 feet, make skiing and snowboarding here a blast for everyone. From Easy Street to the Snow Park, no two runs are alike.

White Sands National Monument (280 miles)

At the northern end of the Chihuahuan Desert lies a mountain ringed valley called the Tularosa Basin. Rising from the heart of this basin is one of the world's great natural wonders - the glistening white sands of New Mexico.

One of New Mexico’s most popular attractions, White Sands is a gigantic sea of sparkling gypsum dunes that scientists say are a result of an extinct lake or inland sea which, with the help of the wind, has piled into vast white dunes. Nature’s selection process is evident with the white-colored plants and animals, which survive in the area. Spend the day picnicking or hiking in the sun where such notables as Billy the Kid and Geronimo once wandered.