26 State Scenic Byways Call Out for Road Trip

The following has been compiled from information provided by the New Mexico Department of Transportation’s scenic byways website, the NM Tourism Department’s New Mexico True website, and New Mexico Nomad, a collaborative digital platform dedicated to promoting the best the Land of Enchantment has to offer.

NEW MEXICO features 26 recognized State Scenic Byways, totaling 2,900 miles that will have you screaming, “Road trip!” Committing to any of them promises a photo albumin-the-making and “remember when” stories born to be told and retold. Like a choose-your-own-ending book, the byway you select determines the theme and vibe of the trip. Old West outlaws or geologic splendor. Cool mountain trails. Contemporary art galleries.

No matter your selection, the byways showcase some of the most outstanding scenic beauty, historically significant locales, cultural richness and downright bizarre features of the state. Eight of the byways have even earned National Scenic Byway distinction. We have selected the following six byways to highlight since, taken together, they crisscross all areas of the state.

Southeast: Billy the Kid National Scenic Byway

Distance: 80 miles

Drive time: 2-2.5 hours, without stops

The drive: Pick up the loop trail on Highway 380 from either Capitan on the west or from Picacho on the east, then circle via NM highways 48 and 70, or along NM 214, which bisects the loop. The roads travel at high elevations (6,500-7,500 feet) through Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs, Hondo, Lincoln, and Capitan. Along the way are two prominent mountain ranges in the Lincoln National Forest - the Sacramento Mountains to the south and the Capitan Mountains to the north.

Named for New Mexico’s most notorious outlaw, this southernmost byway invites sightseers to step back into the Wild West era of the gunslinger, amid cool mountain air, sweeping vistas, and abundant forest wildlife. Trip Advisor reviews say the byway is a superb ride for history buffs due to the stops along the way or for motorcyclists due to the twists and turns.

There are several ways to hop onto the byway, which is among the most well-known and well-traveled in the state. However, most who have taken the journey suggest to begin at Billy the Kid Interpretive Center in the mountain town of Ruidoso Downs for an orientation.

Then, before heading out along NM Highway 70, consider a stop at the Hubbard Museum of the American West next door. Established in 1992, the museum houses the Anne C. Stradling Collection of authentic buggies and wagons, equestrian items, Native American artwork and western art. Life-size bronze horses gallop through its garden. The museum is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday.

If you’re a gambler or just want to try your luck at a few slots, Ruidoso Downs is up the road. Quarter horses race from Memorial Day (end of May) through Labor Day (start of September), and Billy the Kid Casino offers video blackjack and machines all year long.

As you make your way onto NM 48, you’ll find Dowlin’s Historic Old Mill, one of the last working water-powered

(continued on Page 23) new mexico museum of space history

Alamogordo • 575-437-2840 nmspacemuseum.org new mexico museum of natural history & science

Albuquerque • 505-841-2800 nmnaturalhistory.org national hispanic cultural center

Albuquerque • 505-246-2261 nhccnm.org new mexico farm & ranch heritage museum

Las Cruces • 575-522-4100 nmfarmandranchmuseum.org museum of indian arts and culture

Santa Fe • 505-476-1269 indianartsandculture.org museum of international folk art

Santa Fe • 505-476-1200 internationalfolkart.org new mexico history museum Santa Fe • 505-476-5200 nmhistorymuseum.org new mexico museum of art Santa Fe • 505-476-5063 nmartmuseum.org new mexico historic sites Statewide • 505-476-1130 nmhistoricsites.org