Follow in the footsteps of the Old West’s most notorious outlaw along this 84-mile journey through the heart of Lincoln County, New Mexico. The Billy the Kid Trail winds from the mountain resort town of Ruidoso through rugged terrain that looks much as it did during the Lincoln County War of the 1870s.

The route traverses dramatic landscapes where pine-forested mountains give way to high desert valleys dotted with juniper and piñon. You’ll pass through the historic town of Lincoln, preserved as a state monument, where weathered adobe buildings and wooden boardwalks transport you back to the Wild West. Visit the courthouse where Billy the Kid made his legendary escape, and explore museums dedicated to this turbulent era.

Along the way, discover the charming village of Capitan—birthplace of Smokey Bear—and take in sweeping views of the Sierra Blanca peak rising over 12,000 feet. The Hondo Valley reveals fertile orchards and pastoral ranch lands framed by rust-colored mesas.

Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall offers ideal conditions, with autumn bringing spectacular golden cottonwoods along the Rio Hondo.

Allow: 2-3 hours for driving alone, or a full day to explore historic sites and enjoy the stunning mountain scenery.

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