Roy New MexicoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Roy, New Mexico.
1. Cibola National Forest
NATURAL WILDERNESS ESCAPE
Cibola National Forest offers visitors a stunning natural wilderness experience near Roy. The forest features diverse ecosystems with hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and scenic vistas that showcase the beauty of New Mexico's landscape. Visitors consistently rate this attraction highly, making it one of the most popular outdoor destinations in the region.
2. Point of Rocks on Santa Fe Trail
HISTORIC TRAIL LANDMARK
Point of Rocks on Santa Fe Trail stands as a significant historic landmark along the famous trading route. The site features scenic walking areas where visitors can explore the same paths traveled by traders and settlers in the 19th century. Its historical importance and natural beauty make it a must-visit attraction for history enthusiasts and outdoor lovers alike.
3. Conchas Lake State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION HAVEN
Conchas Lake State Park provides a refreshing oasis in the New Mexico landscape with its expansive reservoir and recreational facilities. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and camping along the shores of this man-made lake. The park's stunning desert scenery and water activities make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking outdoor adventure.
4. Conchas Lake Adobe Belle Resort
HISTORIC LAKESIDE ACCOMMODATION
Conchas Lake Adobe Belle Resort combines historical significance with comfortable accommodations near the shores of Conchas Lake. The resort's adobe architecture reflects the traditional building style of the region while providing modern amenities for guests. Visitors appreciate both the cultural experience and convenient access to lake activities that this highly-rated property offers.
5. Fort Union National Monument
PRESERVED MILITARY HISTORY
Fort Union National Monument preserves the ruins of one of the largest military posts in the American Southwest during the territorial period. The adobe remnants and reconstructed features offer visitors a glimpse into 19th-century frontier military life and the fort's role in protecting the Santa Fe Trail. Walking through this historic site, visitors can experience an important chapter in America's westward expansion and military history.
6. Headquarters Restaurant
LOCAL COMFORT FOOD
Headquarters Restaurant serves as a community gathering place offering homestyle comfort food in downtown Roy. The casual diner atmosphere welcomes locals and visitors alike with breakfast, lunch and dinner options that highlight regional flavors. Many travelers make this restaurant their first stop to fuel up before exploring the natural attractions surrounding Roy.
7. Elida's Cafe
SOUTHWESTERN CULINARY GEM
Elida's Cafe delights diners with authentic Mexican and Southwestern cuisine in a welcoming, casual atmosphere. The restaurant specializes in regional dishes featuring New Mexico's famous red and green chiles, drawing both locals and visitors for its flavorful, affordable meals. As one of the highest-rated dining establishments in the area, Elida's provides an essential taste of local culture and cuisine.
8. Mills Canyon
BOULDERING CLIMBER'S PARADISE
Mills Canyon attracts rock climbing enthusiasts from around the country with its world-class bouldering opportunities and dramatic red Dakota sandstone formations. The canyon features hundreds of documented climbing routes varying in difficulty, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers. The remote setting adds a sense of adventure and discovery that distinguishes Mills Canyon from more developed climbing destinations.
9. Mesteño Canyon
PREMIER CLIMBING DESTINATION
Mesteño Canyon has gained recognition as one of New Mexico's premier rock climbing destinations with its Upper and Middle sections offering distinctive challenges. The canyon walls contain hundreds of high-quality bouldering problems set against a stunning desert backdrop. Climbers particularly appreciate the density of routes and the raw, undeveloped character of this natural playground.
10. Roy Water Tower
ICONIC TOWN LANDMARK
The Roy Water Tower stands as an iconic landmark with its distinctive orange-and-white striped design overlooking the main street. This historic structure serves as both a functional water tower and a visual symbol of the town's heritage. Photographers and visitors often seek out this unique landmark as a quintessential representation of small-town America.
11. Russell's Truck & Travel Center
ROUTE 66 DINING CLASSIC
Russell's Truck & Travel Center offers travelers a classic American dining experience with its affordable cafe serving traditional diner fare. The restaurant combines the convenience of a travel center with the comfort of home-cooked meals, making it a popular stop for both truckers and tourists. Visitors appreciate the friendly service, hearty portions, and reasonable prices that have made Russell's a roadside institution.
12. Santa Fe Trail Museum
TRADING ROUTE HERITAGE
The Santa Fe Trail Museum preserves and showcases artifacts and stories from this historic trading route that shaped the American Southwest. Located in nearby Springer, the museum features exhibits on pioneer life, commerce, and cultural exchanges that occurred along the trail. Visitors gain insight into the challenges and triumphs experienced by those who traveled this important commercial corridor during the 19th century.
13. Capulin Volcano National Monument
ANCIENT VOLCANIC WONDER
Capulin Volcano National Monument protects a well-preserved cinder cone volcano that last erupted approximately 60,000 years ago. Visitors can drive to the rim and hike around the crater, enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding plains and distant mountain ranges across four states. The monument also features interpretive displays about the geology, ecology, and human history of this unique volcanic landscape.
14. Canadian River Canyon
SCENIC NATURAL WONDER
Canadian River Canyon cuts through the high plains near Roy, creating a dramatic landscape of steep walls and winding waterways. The canyon offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography in a relatively undiscovered natural setting. Its remote location provides visitors with a sense of solitude and connection to the rugged beauty that characterizes northeastern New Mexico.
15. Kiowa National Grassland
PRESERVED PRAIRIE ECOSYSTEM
Kiowa National Grassland preserves a vast expanse of shortgrass prairie that once covered much of the Great Plains. The protected area supports diverse wildlife including pronghorn antelope, golden eagles, and numerous grassland bird species. Visitors can experience this unique ecosystem through hiking, wildlife watching, and photography while gaining appreciation for America's prairie heritage.