Billy the Kid Trail

State: New Mexico
Length: 84.0 mi / 135.2 km
Time to Allow: Two hours to drive or several days to explore

For those who are fans of the Old West, this byway is sure to earn its place as your favorite road to explore. Cowboy lovers from all walks of life will recognize this trail’s iconic name and will find themselves nearly giddy at the number of nods to the classic Old West that helped shape America that makes up this iconic road. Of course, there is more to see along this trail than just cowboy iconography. This byway acts as a living history of New Mexico, taking visitors from the preserved history of the town of Lincoln to modern recreation areas.

This trail is not limited to one period of North American history, instead, visitors can make their way through locations dedicated to the Mescalero Apache nation, as well as other Paleo-Indian cultures that made their home in the area around 9000 BCE. Just south of the town of Ruidoso is a human fingerprint that is almost 28,000 years old, giving you an idea of how integral this area is to human history. Visitors to the area can experience Lincoln National Forest and stand in awe of the Sacramento and Captain Mountains that line this byway, giving viewers incredible views and even more incredible memories.

Cowboy fans will want to stop by Bill the Kid Interpretive Center in Ruidoso Downs, not only to pick up guides and brochures that help walk visitors through the various sights along the trails, but to check out The Hubbard Museum of the American West, home to many stagecoaches, antique firearms, bridles, saddles, and examples of Native American artwork. Visitors can be transported back into the Old West, and experience not only the iconic pieces of equipment that made up settler’s day-to-day lives, but also get a glimpse into the complicated history of colonization and settler-Native American conflicts.

For those looking to spend more time in the present, Ruidoso Downs is home to plenty of modern-day attractions, including horse races and plenty of entertainment opportunities. Those interested in artwork should check out San Patricio to visit the Hurd-Rinconada Gallery. Of course, San Patricio was also a favorite stop of the infamous Billy the Kid, but there are plenty of modern farm locations worth visiting in the area that is thankfully only infamous for their delicious produce.

Whether you’re looking to dig into the history of the Old West, or experience modern-day New Mexico up close and personal, this byway has plenty of entertainment stops along the way that are sure to enthrall visitors of all ages. Those looking to hike the area will find plenty of recreational trails in Lincoln National Forest, while those hoping to stick more to their vehicles will get plenty of photo opportunities along this winding byway. No matter your interest, you are sure to find yourself saying “Hi-ho, Silver!” the next time you plan a family road trip.

More New Mexico Byways

You can check out additional Byways in New Mexico by clicking on the list of byways below, or by going to the New Mexico Byways home section. To find even more of scenic byways in the United States, visit our scenic byways map.