Geronimo Trail Scenic Byway
Driving Directions

Driving the Byway

The byway begins in Truth or Consequences, NM. From there, you can explore the northern section of the byway or the southern. You may take a side trip that connects the two sections, however, a clearance vehicle is necessary for that.

Southern Section

  • Begin at the Geronimo Trail Interpretive Center, and follow the main thoroughfare from the Interpretive Center through Truth or Consequences on Main Street and South Broadway to Williamsburg, approximately 3 miles.
  • In Williamsburg, turn left onto NM-187 (the last intersection before entering the freeway). Travel south on NM-187 for 14 miles, following the Rio Grande to the junction with NM-152.
  • An RV park overlooking Caballo Lake is at the junction with NM-152. Turn right on NM-152 and continue to the towns of Hillsboro and Kingston.
  • NM-152 beyond Kingston climbs up the eastern slope of the Black Range Mountains and tops out at Emory Pass, elevation 8,828 feet.
  • From Emory Pass the road winds down to the small village of San Lorenzo. It is 53 miles from the turnoff near Caballo Lake to San Lorenzo.
  • The road has many twists, turns, and hairpin curves, so the driving time will be about one and one-half hours.
  • You may return across the Black Range to Truth or Consequences along the byway, or take a side trip on the Trail of the Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway.

Northern Section

  • The northern portion of the Geronimo Trail leaves the Interpretive Center in Truth or Consequences, and circles through the one-way streets of downtown to the corner of Third Street, at the only stop light in town.
  • Turn right on Third, which is NM-51, and follow it for 4 miles to Elephant Butte Lake. You will pass Elephant Butte Dam on your left as you climb the hill. Continue for about a mile to the left hand turn leading to the Dam Site Recreation Area.
  • Return on NM-51 for two miles, to the junction of NM-179, and turn right toward the City of Elephant Butte. It is an additional two miles to the junction of NM-195.
  • Turn left to go to Elephant Butte State Park and the City of Elephant Butte. Follow NM-195 for 4.5 miles, through the City of Elephant Butte, northwest until it intersects with NM-181.
  • Turn right on NM-181 and cross under the I-25 overpass. Travel 2.5 miles on NM-181, past the turnoff to the Municipal Airport.
  • At the intersection of NM-52, turn left and travel away from the valley and toward the distant mountains. Cuchillo is 6 miles from the intersection, and Winston is 28 miles.
  • At Winston, turn left, traveling through the town to Chloride, 2.5 miles away. After exploring Chloride, return to Winston by the same road.
  • At the Winston Store, turn left on NM-52 and drive 9 miles to the junction of NM-59, leading directly toward the mountains.
  • Turn left on NM-59 and follow it for 31 miles to the Beaverhead Ranger Station, where there is a work station, rest area, and large parking lot.
  • It takes about two and a half hours to drive from Truth or Consequences to Beaverhead.