Follow in the footsteps of the Old West’s most legendary outlaw along the Billy the Kid National Scenic Byway, an 84-mile journey through the rugged heart of south-central New Mexico. This route winds through the Lincoln National Forest, where pine-covered mountains give way to sweeping desert valleys and dramatic limestone canyons carved over millennia.

The historic town of Lincoln stands as the byway’s crown jewel — a remarkably preserved frontier village where the infamous Lincoln County War unfolded in 1878. Walk the same dirt street where Billy the Kid made his daring courthouse escape. Nearby, the towns of Ruidoso and Capitan offer mountain charm, with Capitan serving as the birthplace of Smokey Bear.

Along the drive, watch for mule deer and wild turkeys in the forested highlands, then take in vast panoramas of the Capitan Mountains and the distant white sands of the Tularosa Basin. Fort Stanton, a pre-Civil War military post, provides another compelling stop steeped in frontier history.

Allow three to four hours for the drive with stops, though a full day rewards the curious traveler. Late spring through early fall offers the most comfortable conditions, with golden cottonwoods making October drives especially stunning.

Explore Nearby

• Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area — Public Land in New Mexico
• Rio Bonito Petroglyph National Recreation Trail — Public Land in New Mexico
• Lincoln National Forest — National Forest in New Mexico
• Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — State Park in New Mexico
• Bottomless Lakes State Park — State Park in New Mexico