Dry Cimarron Byway - Oklahoma

State: Oklahoma
Length: 55.0 mi / 88.5 km
Time to Allow: 1.5 hours to drive or a day to visit the byway.

Unaltered by time, the Dry Cimarron 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.

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.

At night, the byway experience is as powerful as a daytime drive. The night skies of the Dry Cimarron Byway are some of the darkest skies in the United States, providing amazing photographic opportunities and a year-round view of the milky way and many constellations.

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.