Billy the Kid Trail
Overview
Follow this byway through the rugged beauty of the million-acre Lincoln National Forest. From grassy plains to dense pine forests, the region is known for its stunning views and cool mountain climate. Visit historic Lincoln, once home to outlaw Billy the Kid and lawman Pat Garrett.
Activities
Auto/Motorcycle
The 84-mile Billy the Kid Trail scenic byway takes about two hours to drive. Follow this byway through the rugged beauty of the million-acre Lincoln National Forest.
Camping
There are numerous places to camp along this byway.
Historic Sites
Visitor information is available at the Billy the Kid Visitor Center located at 791 Hwy-70 West in Ruidoso Downs.
Seasonality/Weather
Summer and fall are the best times to drive the byway because of the fall color in the forests and the cooler mountain temperatures in the summer. High seasons on the byway include July and August.
Directions
Driving
From Albuquerque, New Mexico, take I-25 south to San Antonio. Get on US-380 and go east to Capitan, where you enter the byway.
From Las Cruces, New Mexico, take US-70/82 northeast to Alamogordo. Get on US-54 and go north to Tularosa. Take US-70 northeast to Hollywood where you enter the byway.
Driving the Byway
Begin in Ruidoso and follow NM-48 to Hwy 70. Take Hwy 70 northeast to Hwy 380. Travel on Hwy 380 northwest to junction with NM-220. At the junction, take a small detour south through Fort Stanton and end up at the junction with NM-48. Return to junction of Hwy 380 and NM-220. Continue on Hwy 380 northwest to Capitan. At the junction of Hwy 380 and NM-48, take a left onto NM-48 and continue south through Angus. Continue on NM-48 south until you reach Ruidoso, the end of the byway loop.
Phone Numbers
Primary
(575) 257-7395Links
Official URL
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/byways/byways/2062- Login or register to post comments
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