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Dry Cimarron Scenic Byway

States: New Mexico and Oklahoma
Length: 270.0 mi / 434.5 km
Time to Allow: Allow 1-2 days to enjoy the 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. The byway represents an opportunity for visitors to experience the unspoiled natural beauty visible from the roadway and embrace the opportunity to retreat from urban life and connect with ancient and modern history through the unaltered and unspoiled natural world.

In Oklahoma, experience the majesty of the Black Mesa, which encompasses 15 ecosystems and the most pristine short-grass prairie in a six-state area. From the road, see diverse mesa formations created by basalt lava flow and 19 different geologic deposit formations. Also visible are the remaining sand formations that occurred during the Dust Bowl storms. These original formations are a reminder of one of the regions most challenging eras. The route to the Black Mesa reveals the many Santa Fe Trail swales, still distinct and visible, where wagons once crossed the virgin prairie and which remain to entice travelers to share in the historic experience of westward expansion and the settler’s life.

The natural beauty of the Dry Cimarron Canyon on the New Mexico portion of the byway 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.

Throughout the entire 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.

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1-Day Trip: Sites to See along the Dry Cimarron
(New Mexico)

Take a winding trip from Raton to the Clayton Lake State Park and follow the Dry Cimarron Scenic Byway to some of northeastern New Mexico's most... [more]
1-Day Trip: Our Corner of the West: Dry Cimarron Byway
(Oklahoma)

Take the opportunity to appreciate the flatlands of the short grass prairie and modern farming techniques on the 15-minute road between Keyes and... [more]