Confessions of a Nomadic Momma: Carlsbad Caverns or Bust
New Mexico-
The Land of Enchantment?
Their motto has always stumped me. As a child and an adult, all I ever thought of when I thought about New Mexico was dirt and desert… until we explored Carlsbad Caverns and Lincoln National Park.
Land of Enchantment
“Enchantment” gives us vivid images of our favorite enchanted stories. I think of enchanted woods where we might find dwarves, singing princesses, or fairies keeping us safe from goblins we can’t see. Enchantment is a feeling of delight or as if we are under a magic spell—if we live a life of enchantment, then everything we do feels surreal and magical. So, how can this land of desolation and dirt be enchanted?
Get off I-40!
One of the worst things you can do on a road trip is stay on I-40 from Wilmington, North Carolina, to Barstow, California. You will see many different landscapes along the way, but you won’t experience many of the alluring places. I am guilty of staying on I-40 for fear of getting lost on our way to our destination. But getting lost, more often than not, has proven to be a better time than we could have ever planned.
Day 1: Start in Roswell, New Mexico
Afternoon Delight
If you are coming from the East, cut off I-40 in Amarillo. Taking the 60 to the 70 gives you a more direct route to Roswell, New Mexico. If you are coming from the West, cut off I-40 at the 285, just past Moriarty, for the most direct route to Roswell.
Once you get to Roswell, park in one of the parking lots along Main Street—we quickly found parking at West 1st and Main Street. The downtown area is bustling with tourists and locals. If you don’t care about aliens, don’t worry—plenty exists for those who don’t.
New Mexico-
“The Land of Enchantment”
Travel almost to Texas, but not quite, and you’ll find an oasis, caverns, and aliens. Adventure awaits!
What we enjoyed in Roswell:
1. International UFO Museum and Research Center- fascinating history from fans to past presidents. They have fun, engaging activities for kids and teens while still having thought-provoking information for adults. If you are a true believer- you could easily spend a week or two in their library. Be prepared with a wad of cash when you enter their gift shop- you are bound to find quite a few things everyone will enjoy.
Emma Pittman enjoying an interactive game at the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell, New Mexico.
Meeting between the earthling, Justin Wooldridge, and the aliens of Roswell, NM.
2. El Toro Bravo Bakery- behind the restaurant and across the parking lot on West 1st Street is a “run down” looking little shop with aliens outside. Don’t be scared! They won’t harm you! They come in peace. Joking aside, this Mexican shop is filled with yummy treats- whether you have a sweet tooth or prefer a burning mouth- they’ve got you covered. We bought chili peppers- not labeled! They looked like ghost peppers, and the boys believed they were hot enough to be them. We also bought some sweets. It is a great stop for a cultural experience.
3. UFO Fizz Candy Store- The delightful shop owner gave us a bag of pop bottle lids to make art projects with. We experienced retro nostalgia as we chose from the different old-time candies and bottled sodas, including our fave, root beer.
If you’ve got a few hours to kill on your way to Carlsbad Caverns or other destinations, this is not a bad way to spend them. It's a good way to get out of the car, stretch, refuel your car and body, and expand your horizons.
Land in Carlsbad, New Mexico
After leaving Roswell, you’ll only have an hour and a half drive to Carlsbad, New Mexico… getting closer to the enchantment part. The town is pretty run down for our standards, but it’s acceptable for a base camp location since it puts you north of Carlsbad Caverns and northeast of the go-to spot in Lincoln National Forest- Sitting Bulls Falls- two places you do not want to miss!
Carlsbad has plenty of hotels to choose from and a KOA for those who prefer to camp with amenities, but if you like being away from it all, you can also camp near Carlsbad Caverns.
Truth be told, I chose Sitting Bulls Falls and the restaurant, the Lucky Bull Grill, because this trip was for my bestie’s birthday and he is a Taurus. Turns out I chose wisely! Both proved to be amazing! I highly recommend eating dinner at the Lucky Bull Grill. We did have to wait about 15 minutes to be seated, but it was worth the wait and the food was not disappointing.
Day 2: Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico
Welcome to the Ultimate Bat Cave—No, not really! We saw bats outside near the cave entrance but not inside the cave.
I recommend wearing or bringing a light sweater or jacket. If its summertime, chances are it's hot outside, but if you wear a tank top down into the cavern, you are likely to get cold. It can be chilly as you descend into the caverns.
Wear good walking shoes—hiking shoes are great, but they are not really needed for the central cavern exploration. Plan accordingly for how much time you want to spend exploring- if you go too late, they may ask you to leave at closing, and you won’t have gotten your money’s worth. I highly recommend purchasing the “America the Beautiful” pass from them or other locations where it is available. The pass gets you into most if not all the National Parks for an entire year- way cheaper than paying individually for most families.
For more information on planning, visit the Carlsbad Caverns page. Reservations, tickets, accommodations, and good times await.
Day 3: Sitting Bulls Falls- the Land of Enchantment!
What we found on day 3 of our trip was like nothing I ever expected to find, and boy, was it worth the long drive in. Fill up your tank before you head here; there are no places to get gas once you go in. Sitting Bulls Falls is about an hour's drive and 43 miles, 86 miles round trip, from Carlsbad—but so worth the trip!
We went in late April, and the weather was a bit chilly but very nice. The forest was green, the ground was brown, and the hidden oasis we found was remarkable! Back off this twisty road was a hidden treasure—I think God put it there for those who are patient and make the trek. In the middle of this desert lies an oasis where the waterfalls flow in abundance.
Despite feeling like we were in an isolated part of the world, there were other adventurers there, not too many, but enough to not feel worried about getting stranded or harmed. This was truly an enchanting place that we will not forget, despite it being an “extra” thing to do because Carlsbad Caverns was our destination. Honestly, this could have been a destination place by itself- but you should definitely go see the Caverns if you have the time.
Adventure Awaits!
Big recap- get off I-40, drive south and visit Roswell, Carlsbad Caverns, and Sitting Bulls Falls in Lincoln National Forest. You will then understand why New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment while also expanding your horizons of adventure.
Recommended for solo hikers, romantic couple getaways, and family adventurers.
