Stretching 30 miles across the Chihuahuan Desert, the Guadalupe Escarpment, and the Lincoln National Forest, the Guadalupe Back Country Byway offers a sense of liberation under clear skies speckled with fluffy white clouds and the fresh smell of creosote bushes. Although there are over 28,000 oil and gas-producing wells throughout the region, the Bureau of Land Management seeks above all to maintain a sense of balance with an increased focus on the area’s abundant natural beauty, which means you’ll still find plenty of activities and adventures awaiting you on your journey.
Three thousand feet above the town of Carlsbad, where the byway begins, you’ll see the byway’s mysteries begin to unfold in a maze of limestone spotted with patches of sotol and prickly pear. Explore a variety of both improved and primitive roads packed with opportunities to satisfy your adventurous spirit. At Big Arsenic Springs, keep your camera handy as you explore the trails leading to the nearby Red River and down to Rio Grande Gorge, and maybe you’ll snag a shot of a grazing pronghorn antelope or a hawk soaring overhead. From the seat of your mountain bike, navigate the Taos Plateau from the gentle gravel contour of the Rinconada Loop to the fierce switchbacks of Guadalupe Mountain.
In the cool darkness beneath the desert floor, an even more intricate maze awaits. Get a spelunking permit from the Guadalupe Ranger District and find out for yourself why adventurers from all over the world are drawn to the Carlsbad Caverns. Crawl through the narrow passageways on a guided tour leading to the Hall of the White Giant and the Spider Cave, or do some exploring of your own in the 8.3-acre Big Room and the Natural Entrance area. Wind your way through the fantastic shapes of glistening stalactites and stalagmites, and take a moment to admire the eternal beauty of the limestone outcroppings surrounding you.
Come experience the subtle thrill of an underground world illuminated by headlamp, or the feel of a gentle breeze after a vigorous bike ride to an overlook in the Guadalupe Mountains. Whatever you seek, the Guadalupe Back Country Byway has the adventure you’re looking for.
