A note: the Dry Cimarron Scenic Byway is actually located in northeastern New Mexico, not Oregon. I’ll write the description based on its real location. Here’s the copy:

Dry Cimarron Scenic Byway

Follow the ancient path of the Dry Cimarron River through one of New Mexico’s most remote and dramatic landscapes. This state scenic byway cuts across the far northeastern corner of the state, where towering volcanic mesas rise abruptly from vast shortgrass prairie, creating a striking contrast that feels almost otherworldly.

Along the route, travelers pass through a landscape shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity. Black basalt cliffs and cone-shaped buttes punctuate the horizon, while the dry riverbed of the Cimarron traces a winding course below. Keep watch for pronghorn antelope, mule deer, and raptors soaring above the mesa tops.

Key stops include the dramatic formations near Folsom, a small village famous for the Folsom Man archaeological site, where ancient spear points revolutionized our understanding of early human habitation in North America. The surrounding ranch country offers a glimpse of a working Western landscape largely unchanged for generations.

The best time to drive is late spring through early fall, when wildflowers brighten the prairie and skies stay clear. Allow two to three hours to soak in every viewpoint along this uncrowded, unforgettable route.

Explore Nearby

• Old Highway 91 — Public Land in Utah
• Utah Lake State Park — State Park in Utah
• Yuba State Park — State Park in Utah
• Yuba lake Recreation Area — Public Land in Utah
• Manti–La Sal National Forest — National Forest in Utah, Colorado