Dry Cimarron Scenic Byway - New Mexico

State: New Mexico
Length: 215.0 mi / 346.0 km
Time to Allow: Allow 1-2 days to enjoy the byway.

Located in one of the most geographically unique locations of the United States, the Dry Cimarron Scenic Byway in New Mexico offers the travelers one of the most picturesque viewing experiences available anywhere, from the almost perfectly shaped cinder cone volcanoes to millions of years of erosion and sedimentary activity, which are evident throughout the byway. The entire area is rich in scenic, historical, cultural, geological, natural, and archaeological points of interest. The remote nature of the area immediately identifies the “spirit of place” and exposes the byway visitor to natural, undisturbed sights that simply cannot be found elsewhere.

The natural beauty of the Dry Cimarron Canyon is one of the most spectacular viewing experiences that the motorist can encounter. These experiences range from the very well-preserved and protected dinosaur footprints that can be seen at the spillway of Clayton Lake State Park, the discovery of prehistoric remains of the “Folsom Man,” the area’s ranching history and heritage, to the capture of two of the West’s most famous outlaws, Black Jack Ketchum and “Captain” William Coe, the notorious leader of the outlaws at “Robber’s Roost.” This history and tales of “Wild West” outlaws still fascinate listeners of all ages.

Historic ruins provide evidence of the early ranching life throughout the canyon, from the remains of ranch buildings to the remnants of early towns such as Madison and Toll Gate Canyon. Toll Gate Canyon was the first effort at an organized road system in the area when a route was discovered that provided an alternate to the Raton Pass for reaching Trinidad Colorado. Remains of the tollgate are still visible on NM 551. Paving of the roads did not begin until around 1975. Many of the roads remain gravel, but are well-maintained and can be traveled by most passenger vehicles at all times of year.

The historical aspect of the entire valley is overshadowed only by its magnificent beauty and miracles of nature. From lush, green river bottoms to high, towering mesas to geologic formations that are beyond belief, this byway has everything to captivate the byway traveler’s curiosity, imagination, and attention.

The Dry Cimarron River is capped off by the beauty and unique features of Black Mesa to the north. To the south, hundreds of canyons feed into the Dry Cimarron Valley. Each canyon that drains into the valley lends its own beauty to the masterpiece with its Cedar and Juniper covered slopes that are abundant with wildlife and adds the opportunity for viewing several species of wildlife throughout the byway.

Sunsets, sunrises, and the dark night sky are absolutely astonishing. Area towns host star observation gatherings or “Star Parties.” The nighttime skies in the surrounding area are exceptionally dark at night due to conservation efforts by the local people. Due to the Dark Sky Ordinance, the amount of upward light emissions has been limited so that the dark night sky can be seen in all of its glory. The Milky Way is visible from all parts of the region. A great interest in astronomy in the town of Clayton resulted in the organization of an Astronomy Club that is promoting this initiative.

For more information see the designated byway:

  • Dry Cimarron Scenic Byway

    Unaltered by time, the Dry Cimarron Scenic Byway traverses a landscape that has been preserved since prehistoric times and offers sanctuary to many unique plants and animals. Far removed from the frantic pace of modern-day civilization, the Dry Cimarron Byway offers a respite for the body and soul traversing New Mexico and Oklahoma.